May 2004 News

B R E A T H I N G WORKS is proud to support
Allergy Awareness week -- 10-17 May - click here for allergy information.

Calm - not chaos ----- Relaxation - not red alert

A calm mind and body allows us to work and play efficiently and effectively

At B R E A T H I N G WORKS one of our most important goals is to equip people with tools to achieve calm - good efficient breathing is the key -

The weekend papers in New Zealand over the last few weeks have run articles on the twenty to thirty something year olds who are apparently facing the dilemma of increasing anxieties due to feeling dissatisfaction with their lot. Yet most have a university degree - good jobs and good incomes. However the world of consumerism is engulfing them. The choices they have to make are almost over whelming and exhausting.

We say "STOP - breathe out find the pause"
It is increasingly obvious as we do more seminars in the corporate climate that literally the pause and any comprehension of calm are being lost

Many of us run around like frantic ants. We walk fast, we talk fast, we work fast, we eat fast whew !…… ...lets slow down -

A quick reminder of the breathing/ energy relationship.

Breathing has a direct relationship to energy expenditure.
Depending on the rate, rhythm, depth and flow of our breathing this will determine the quality and quantity of energy we use.

For example-if our breathing rate speeds up so does the amount of energy we use.

When we sprint our breathing is fast and rapid energy out put is high-like a car running at full throttle.

Similarly when we are tense and breathe into our upper chest the rate is faster, larger and sharper, and much more energy is used. Large breathing volumes are more demanding on breathing muscles, which become greedy for oxygen. If the breathing rates slow down so does our energy expenditure.

For example in long distance running the breath is easier, less peaked well regulated; this enables endurance, energy consumption is lower over time. When we are relaxed the breath is rhythmical, low and slow, and energy consumption is greatly reduced.

Whatever we have done to speed up our breathing-exercise or stressful events -- we must return to a balanced state. This allows rest, recovery- and rejuvenation.

So the message is the slower the breathing the more energy we maintain.

In the coming months aim to recognise tensions-at home and at work and how they might affect the way you breathe. Stress is part of life. Good stress makes you feel great after a long hard walk for instance, or a meeting where you kept your cool (and breathing rates down.)

Bad stress is part of life too; practicing B R E A T H I N G WORKS good breathing strategies speeds up recovery.

Remember our motto- "low slow nose breathe and...
When in doubt-breathe out"

For All Computer Users

Computerisation has introduced a whole new meaning to the work place and the way we live. As a result we spend far more time sitting in front of computers and living a sedentary life style.

Intense or long concentration spans can cause adrenalin to pump, muscles to tense and breath holding. In short bursts this is fine but in long time frames this can cause changes to our musculature and breathing patterns.

We have seen a significant rise in computer related musculoskeletal pain and injuries which we know can lead to devastating conditions such as occupational overuse syndrome.

The science of Ergonomics has received a lot of publicity; but most of us only think of the office work station design. However there is so much more to it than that.

Body tension, movement and breathing patterns, are often forgotten about. Most people become so engrossed in what they are doing they loose perspective of all time, and worst of all their bodies!

If we are breathing right our bodies are more relaxed. If not unwelcome tension creeps in. Back ache! Stiff neck! Tight jaw! Achy hands! Sound familiar?

So please, the next time you sit at your computer or desk -- think about how you are sitting-and most importantly how you are breathing.
Watch out for those breath holds......

An exercise to for you do:
B R E A T H I N G WORKS ONE STOP SHOP for COMPUTER USERS

We'd love to hear from you if you have comments or experiences to share.

Dinah, Tania and team.

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