Tip 11 Stop to Breathe
StrongPosture® Tip 11: Posture Break – Breathe Deeply
Posture and Breathing
Nowadays many people sit an average of 13 hours a day. Sitting folded in front of a computer or desk reduces your body awareness. Meanwhile, just like clay, over time muscles, ligaments and other soft tissue are molding your body, and folding you into weak posture.
Poor posture isn’t just about neck and back pain. When your chest is folded, the lungs are compressed, restricting your ability to take a deep breath.
“Breathing is the most important motion,” Dr. Steven Weiniger
Try this Breath Test
- Sit down and type an email (or text) on your phone
- While you’re typing, breathe in
- Take note of how much air you can take in
Breath Test with StrongPosture®
- Sit down and scoot your bottom back in the chair
- Lift your shoulders up, roll them back, and drop them down as you lift your upper body upright
- Level your head and sit tall
- Take a deep breath, and again note how much air you take in
You’ll find strengthening posture literally relieves breathing difficulty and allows you to breathe in more air. More oxygen to the brain helps reduce stress, improve your mental clarity and gives you more energy.
Remember what a difference your posture makes when breathing, not only when sitting, but when standing and moving as well.
Posture Break: Stop to Breathe
Incorporate this essential exercise a few times a day for your health and well being.
- Stop what you’re doing and assume your best posture
- Take 5 slow, deep breaths
- Expand your belly as you slowly breathe in
- Pull your belly in as you slowly breathe out
“The test is the exercise, and the exercise is the test.” Vladimir Janda
Add this to your daily routine and continue on with the next step in 31 steps to improve posture and breathing.