WeedMD's Tips for Healthy Living. Tip #1: Breathe

"I breathe in my courage.  I exhale my fear." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Doctors and psychologists say that slow, deep breathing is one of the easiest ways to improve one’s physical and mental health.  While it is fairly common knowledge that controlled breathing can help to reduce anxiety (remember all those scenes on television of people in crisis breathing into a paper bag?), there are many other ways that deep breathing can help to improve your overall wellbeing.

Not only does controlled breathing help your respiratory system to work better, it can also calm emotions that affect the digestive system.  You can also keep your lymph system working optimally by increasing the circulation of lymphatic fluid by breathing deeply, which also increases the flow of oxygen to the heart.

Breathing easier reduces muscular tension, which allows you to move easier.  It also helps you to be more mentally ‘present.’  Controlled breathing releases natural painkillers, known as endorphins, which create more awareness and allows you to fall asleep more easily.

Knowing how to breathe properly is a skill that can serve you well throughout your lifetime.