Stress and pain can have a deep impact on a person’s life and health. Breathing is a huge part of dealing with life’s wicked ways, but many people do not know how to breathe properly. Neck muscles are tight, shoulders are at the ears, and muscles are tense and ache. This can all impact your breathing and cause you to be taking shorter breaths than you should. Most people breathe shallowly through their upper chest so it’s no wonder they are achy and can’t seem to relax. A deep breath in through your nose starting at your stomach, filling the sides of your ribs and your upper chest can go a long way in helping you drop those shoulders and relax those muscles. Deep diaphragmatic breathing can help reduce stress and manage pain. Remember to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Practice doing this technique at home while either sitting or lying down and place one hand on your stomach and one on your upper chest to help you with the rhythm. Next time your massage therapist is working on a tight and achy muscle, incorporate this technique into your regular treatments. It will help you manage the pain and keep you relaxed throughout your treatment.
