Oxygenate your body to live well through the winter months
During the winter months, nature seems to take a break. And while we may not be able to winterise, our bodies and minds also need special attention. Shorter days, cooler temperatures and less time spent outdoors can lead to a drop in energy and increased fatigue.
Seasonal fatigue, although common, can have a significant impact on our daily well-being, limiting our ability to enjoy life to the full. Fortunately, there are natural and accessible solutions to alleviate this condition. Among them, deep breathing stands out for its simplicity and remarkable effectiveness. Have you heard of it?
In just a few minutes a day, this technique can not only boost our immune system, but also bring us inner peace and a mental break.
This article is for you, whether you're new to wellness practices or simply looking to enrich your daily routine.
We'll explore deep breathing techniques that are easy to incorporate into your life, practical advice on how to optimise their benefits, and tips on how to make them more effective against seasonal fatigue.
The importance of oxygenating the body
As we all know, we can't live without oxygen. This is nothing new.
But why? Quite simply because it's crucial for almost every bodily function! From energy production and metabolism to brain and muscle health, detoxification, cell regeneration and immune system function. That's it!
Good oxygenation is therefore essential for maintaining optimum health.
But we all breathe, you may ask. Yes and no, because very often we only use a tiny fraction of our respiratory capacity. Breathing, yes, but we still need to breathe properly to maintain our health and vitality, particularly when it comes to combating seasonal fatigue.
The basics of deep breathing
Deep breathing is a simple but powerful technique that can transform our health and well-being. By understanding its basic principles, we can easily integrate it into our daily lives.
What is Deep Breathing?
This technique is a way of breathing that fully engages the lungs, allowing more air to be taken in than normal or so-called shallow breathing, which is rapid and shallow. Deep breathing involves full movement of the diaphragm and expansion of the abdomen, not just the chest.
How do you practise deep breathing?
It's very simple. Here's how:
Starting position: Start by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen to feel the movement of your breath.
Deep Inhale: Breathe in slowly through your nose, feeling your abdomen expand and your chest rise last.
Full Exhalation: Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose, feeling your abdomen drop first, then your chest.
There are many applications (on cardiac coherence or guided meditations, for example) that can help you do this.
How can deep breathing revitalise our bodies and chase away seasonal fatigue?
It does this on several levels:
- It increases the level of oxygen in the blood.
This increased oxygenation wakes up our cells, giving them the energy they need to function effectively. In winter, when our energy levels can be low, this increase in oxygen is particularly beneficial in helping us to feel more dynamic and alert. - It reduces stress levels
One of the most immediate benefits of deep breathing is its calming effect on the mind. By activating our parasympathetic nervous system, it helps us enter a state of relaxation, reducing the levels of stress and anxiety that can build up during the cold, dark months. - It helps improve sleep
By practising regularly before going to bed, we can encourage people to fall asleep more quickly and get a deeper, more restful sleep. This is particularly useful in winter, when changes in light can disrupt our natural sleep cycle. - Boosting immunity: the great challenge of the season!
An essential aspect of deep breathing, often underestimated, is its positive influence on the immune system. By improving oxygenation, this practice helps to strengthen our natural defences. Increased oxygen supply promotes the function and circulation of immune cells. What's more, by reducing stress, a factor known to weaken immunity, deep breathing helps to maintain a strong, responsive immune system. This technique becomes an additional natural and simple tool for staying healthy and resilient, even in the face of seasonal challenges.
How can I incorporate deep breathing into my daily life?
Adopting a new habit may seem difficult at first, but with a few simple tricks, it can easily become a natural part of your routine.
Start small...
Short but Regular Moments: Start by incorporating short sessions of deep breathing into your day. Even a few minutes can make a difference.
Identify Key Moments: Choose specific times, such as when you wake up, during a break at work, or before bed, to practise.
Create a Routine
Associate with existing habits: It can be useful to combine the practice of deep breathing with other daily habits, such as after your morning shower or before dinner.
Use Reminders: Setting reminders on your phone or in your diary can help you remember to take a moment to breathe deeply.
Make the practice pleasant
Choose a Quiet Space: Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. This could be a corner of your bedroom, an office, or even a nearby park.
Create an Atmosphere: To make practising more pleasant, you can use soft music, scented candles or comfortable cushions.
Integrating into Daily Activities
During Routine Activities: Practise deep breathing during routine activities such as walking, cooking or waiting for the bus.
In Response to Stress: Use deep breathing as a tool to manage stress in real time, by taking a few deep breaths when you feel tense or anxious.
By adopting these strategies, deep breathing can become a natural and rewarding part of your daily life, helping you to combat seasonal fatigue and improve your general well-being.