What is it?

Belly breathing is another saying for diaphragmatic breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing the inspiration and expiration of air that engages your diaphragm. It’s the muscle in your chest that helps you breathe.

How does it help?

Belly breathing helps with stress, anxiety and even asthma. Belly breathing causes you to put pressure on the vagus nerve (the nerves of your parasympathetic nervous system which controls regulation of internal organ functions, such as digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate, etc.) which then sends a signal to the brain to release serotonin which relaxes the body.

Don’t worry if you aren’t exactly sure you are doing it right. The goal is being intentional in trying something new with a goal to encourage balance and lessen anxiety. A quick search on Youtube will give you a visual on a million different ways to breathe. It doesn’t take long, and 120 seconds is a great first time goal!

Don’t forget to end with a positive affirmation! Just by reading this post means you have already made a step in the right direction! Spend just a couple minutes valuing yourself. You deserve it!

Disclaimer: Belly breathing alone may not help so please seek the direction of a licensed professional to determine what’s right for you based on your symptoms and any physical limitations.

“Diaphragmatic respiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diaphragmatic%20respiration.