Did you know that when we breathe normally and unconsciously, we only inhale one eight of our lug capacity? 1/8! This means that our lungs can accommodate 700% more air.
(Source: choirly.com)
Every time you breathe in, your belly should fill up like a balloon. And every time you breathe out, that balloon should deflate. When you chest breathe, your shoulders get tense and move up and down. That’s wasted energy-energy.
When you take deeper breaths, you use more air sacs in your lungs, which allows you to take in more oxygen to feed your muscles, and your entire body.
The training of the voice has an important place in physical culture, since it tends to expand and strengthen the lungs, and thus to ward off disease. To ensure correct delivery in reading and speaking, see that the abdominal muscles have full play in breathing and that the respiratory organs are unrestricted.
Let the strain come on the muscles of the abdomen rather than on those of the throat. Great weariness and serious disease of the throat and lungs may thus be prevented. Careful attention should be given to securing distinct articulation, smooth, well-modulated tones, and a not-too-rapid delivery. This will not only promote health, but will add greatly to the agreeableness and efficiency in your work.
Using a mirror, align your ears, shoulders, and hips. Proper alignment places your ears loosely above your shoulders, above your hips.
If you sit and stand erect you are more likely than others to breathe properly. Proper breathing is linked to a more robust circulation of the blood, invigorating the whole system, promoting digestion, and inducing sound, sweet sleep, thus not only refreshing the body, but soothing and tranquilizing the mind.
America’s Healthiest Cities to Visit
Austin, TX
Green space is abundant in Austin; there’s the 351-acre Zilker Park and 200 biking, hiking and running trails. Lush championship golf courses are a big draw for visitors: Barton Creek Resort has four on its property alone, and the public, 18-hole Avery Ranch overlooks Hill Country.
Photo of Lake Austin Resort
