About VOS's breathing exercises

Have you ever stopped to consider the significance of breath in our lives? It's fascinating how many idioms we have about it:

• "It took my breath away!"
• "I couldn't catch a breath."
• “It was breathtaking.”

Breathing is a fundamental aspect of our existence. It's the very essence of being alive. From the first breath we take as newborns to the last breath before we depart this world, breath connects us to our vitality. In fact, it's the first thing rescuers check to see if someone is alive. Yet, we often take breathing for granted, rarely giving it much thought.

However, slow controlled breathing has incredible benefits. It has the power to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. It increases oxygen in our blood and improves muscle function. It even serves as a distraction, disengaging us from negative thoughts. All of this culminates in a release of anxiety and a revelation of stress.

Breathing Exercises in VOS

At VOS, we recognize the transformative effects of breathing exercises. We offer a variety of exercises to cater to your specific needs and goals. Whether you seek calmness, better sleep, enhanced performance, improved health, or increased energy, we have categorized our exercises to help you find the perfect fit.

Immediate Effects

The beauty of breathing exercises is their instant impact. Even after just one exercise, you'll feel a sense of calm and relaxation. Take advantage of these exercises when you find yourself in the following situations:

• Nervous or anxious: Before a challenging exam, interview, or important personal conversation, try our calming breathing exercises to soothe your nervous system. This will halt the stress reaction and enhance your ability to think clearly.
• Struggling to fall asleep: Remember when we used to count sheep? Now, you can count your breaths to encourage the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, preparing your body and mind for a restful night.
• In need of re-focusing: By focusing on your breath, you can deliver oxygen and nutrients to your cells, increasing your energy levels. When fatigue strikes during the day, try our energizing exercises to revitalize your mind and body.
• Before or during a workout: Concentrate on breathing into your belly to enhance the effects of your exercise. Additionally, research indicates that focused breathing after a workout can boost your motor memory.

Long-term Effects

To fully experience the long-term benefits of breathing exercises, regular practice is key. But rest assured, your dedication will yield worthwhile results:

• Health benefits: By consistently making time for slow, intentional breathing, you'll prevent the adverse effects of stress and support your immune system.
• Heightened awareness: Breathing exercises can easily evolve into a form of meditation. As you learn to control your breath and focus on its various aspects, you'll gradually learn to be more present, worrying less about the past or future.

At VOS, we understand the significance of breath in enhancing your overall well-being. Take a deep breath, and let's start your transformative wellness journey together.

Resources we used:

• Yadav, G., & Mutha, P. K. (2016). Deep breathing practice facilitates retention of newly learned motor skills. Scientific reports, 6(1), 37069.
• Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Diaphragmatic Breathing. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing
• Riehl, M. (2016). An Easy Way to Beat Stress — and Build a Healthier Life. Michigan Medicine: University of Michigan. https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/easy-way-beat-stress-and-build-healthier-life#:~:text=As%20you%20breathe%20deeply%2C%20you,the%20lungs%20and%20other%20tissues.
• Jerath, R., Beveridge, C., & Barnes, V. A. (2019). Self-Regulation of Breathing as an Adjunctive Treatment of Insomnia. Frontiers in psychiatry, 9, 780. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00780
• Örün, D., Karaca, S., & Arıkan, Ş. (2021). The Effect of Breathing Exercise on Stress Hormones. Cyprus Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(1), 22-27. Doi: 10.4274/cjms.2021.2020.2390.
• Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Diaphragmatic Breathing. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing
• Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Relaxation techniques: Breath control helps quell errant stress response. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response
• Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Diaphragmatic Breathing. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing