Breathe baby, just BREATHE! It’s a simple, easy way to speed up your metabolism. It sounds like woo-woo but guess what? Once again it is ACTUALLY SCIENCE! YAS!
You see, the level oxygen in your body is directly related to the speed of your metabolism. Oxygen molecules are required in the breakdown of food at a molecular level. This relationship is complimentary, the more oxygen the more combustion. Really like gasoline in a car engine. (And of course, Oxygen has a lot of other really important duties too!)
Okay so how do we get more Oxygen in our body? It doesn’t take any fancy equipment, and you don’t have to wheel around an oxygen tank! Yahoo! All it takes are 2 simple breathing techniques.
But lets start with some basics, when you breathe in, it should start in your lower abdomen, and as you inhale, your belly should expand. Inhaling through your nose allows for a deeper inhalation. Then as you exhale start in your chest, then ribs, then abdomen to let the air out.
As I mentioned, breathing in oxygen allows your cells to produce more energy, which speeds your metabolism, so lets look at 2 methods you can start today:
1. Breath of Fire – Speeds up Metabolism + Energizes Your Body
From a sitting or standing position, inhale deeply filling your lungs…next using a quick flexing of the muscles of your lower abdomen force as much air out as you can through your nose, and naturally allow the air to come back into the lungs through your nose as you release the abdominal muscles. Repeat this rapidly for up to a minute. It may take you a while to work up to a full minute, so do be gentle with yourself.
Tips: If you are having trouble place your hands on your abdomen to feel the tummy move in and out. Remember, this is a rapid movement.
2. Breath Preservation – Can do anywhere + Increases Lung Capacity
From a sitting or standing position, inhale deeply and slowly through your nose for a count of 5. (Our goal is going to be to retain your inhale for 10+ seconds, with an ultimate goal of 20 seconds or so.) Then hold your breath 7-8 seconds, then exhale for 5-8 seconds. This breathing style allows the lungs to extract as MUCH Oxygen as possible.
Why do breathing techniques make a big difference? Most people only use about 1/3 of their lung capacity and routinely just keep oxygen levels high enough to function. With practice of better breathing techniques, you will notice tons of benefits! Happy Breathing! <3