The connection between breathing and posture from "summary" of Breath by James Nestor
Breathing and posture are intimately linked. The way we breathe directly impacts the way we hold ourselves up. Imagine a person who is gasping for air, their chest heaving up and down. This kind of breathing forces the body into a state of tension. The shoulders hunch forward, the neck juts out, the back arches. This is what happens when we breathe too quickly and too shallowly. It's a posture of panic, of stress, of struggle.
On the other hand, when we breathe slowly and deeply, the body relaxes. The chest expands, the shoulders drop down and back, the spine straightens. This is a posture of ease, of strength, of calm. It's the posture of someone who is at peace with themselves and their surroundings. This is why many traditional practices, like yoga and tai chi, place such a strong emphasis on breathing. They understand that by changing the way we breathe, we can change the way we hold ourselves.
The connection between breathing and posture is not just about the physical body. It's also about the mind. When we are stressed or anxious, our breathing becomes shallow and rapid. This sends a signal to the brain that there is danger nearby. The brain responds by releasing stress hormones, which only serve to make us feel more on edge. It's a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break.
But by consciously changing the way we breathe, we can interrupt this cycle. When we take slow, deep breaths, the brain receives a signal that everything is okay. It responds by releasing feel-good hormones like endorphins and oxytocin. This helps us to relax, to feel more at ease. And as our mental state improves, so too does our posture. We stand up straighter, we move more freely, we feel more confident in ourselves.Take a moment to check in with your breath. Are you breathing deeply and slowly, or are you gasping for air? By making a conscious effort to breathe well, you can not only improve your posture but also your overall sense of well-being.
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