Due to so many factors in life today, many of us have become 'dysfunctional' breathers, and the implications over time can hugely impact our physical and mental well-being. But it doesn't need to be this way, there's so much we can do, most people can functionally breathe through their nose with practise, they've just forgotten how to.

 

So, here's the thing, our mouth does nothing to support our breathing and well-being, it's simply a great big hole sending cold, fast, dry and dirty air directly into our lungs, there's nothing in between to stop that! 

 

Our NOSE however does everything for our breathing, it's so perfectly designed for the job, here's just a few of the benefits...

 

Our brilliant nose due to it's design will slow down air as it comes in softening the impact and calming our brain in the process..

It warms (or cools) and humidifies our breath before it hits the lungs.

Increases oxygen levels in the blood by 10%

Can help reduce symptoms of asthma and attacks, enabling reduced medication use.

It filters the air removing harmful particles and produces nasal nitric oxide destroying viruses and germs preventing them from entering our lungs.

Reduces the symptoms of hay fever and other environmental allergens, (think filtration/cleaning)

Nose breathing supports deeper, restorative sleep and can reduce or even stop snoring and other sleep disorders.

Nose breathing during exercise will increase oxygen delivery to the working muscles for better performance and quicker recovery. 

 

Unfortunately, these days many of us are not breathing properly,  we're breathing too much and using our mouth, it triggers a stress response, a fight/flight state in our brain. This leads to stress, anxiety, poor cognitive function, sleep disruption, chronic illness, I could go on... to make matters worse it then becomes a vicious cycle!

When we're stressed, we breathe harder and faster and often through our mouth, this triggers the stress to our brain and the cycle begins again, we become exhausted, we can't think straight, we're emotional and get sick. 

 

I was a chronic mouth breather, around 4 years ago I started to tape up my mouth during sleep, it was transformative to my sleep and quality of life but still I was a mouth breather during the day. Thankfully through my Buteyko training I've overcome my mouth breathing habits (most of the time!), I rarely suffer from hay fever now, my sleep is deep, I'm calmer, focused and generally feel so much better. It does take some time and effort to make the changes and practise the breathing exercise but they're simple and extremely effective. 

The question to ask, is it worth investing your time and effort to change breathing habits and promote good health now and into the future? I would say 100% yes and the great thing is we all have our breath, it's available 24/7 for free so why not use it to its full potential.

 

If you have any serious illness, take medications or you're pregnant please consult your healthcare professional and speak to a qualified breathing practitioner like me for advice before you do anything. In most cases there is always something you can do with your breathing towards improving your health.