Notice your breath

The way we breathe changes depending on what we are going through, that is why it’s useful to reevaluate your breathing patterns regularly. Before we begin our in-depth exploration of the most efficient breathing patterns, we need to understand what our starting point is.

HOW TO: Notice your breathing throughout the day and reflect on the following questions:

• Do you breathe mostly through your nose or your mouth?
• Do you hold your breath often? If you do, is it usually after inhale or after exhale?
• Where in your body do you feel your inhalation and your exhalation?
• Which part of the breath is easier – the inhalation or the exhalation?
• How actively engaged are your chest, neck and shoulder muscles when you breathe?
• How loud is your normal breathing? How loud is your breathing during yoga?

Answer those questions for yourself mentally or, better yet, in writing. As we move forward, you will see which breathing patterns serve you well, and which ones interfere with proper physiological functioning.