The Zoomer Report: Deep Breathing

Zoomer | September 29th, 2009

Want to be more productive? All All you need to do is breathe.

According to the Oprah doctors Oz and Roizen, inhaling deeply brings a chemical called nitric oxide from the back of your nose and your sinuses into your lungs.

This short-lived gas dilates the air passages in your lungs and does the same to the blood vessels surrounding them so you can get more oxygen into your body. Nitric oxide also doubles as a neurotransmitter to help your brain function.

Sounds like a no-brainer, but after age 2, most of us never take a single deep breath all day long (have you done it yet?). Yoga is an excellent way to train yourself to take these deep breaths. A yoga sequence — or two — in the morning helps you get your blood going, think about your breathing, and prepare yourself for your day. While you’re meditating and noticing the sensations of your body, dream about one big idea you want to pursue today.

No matter what pose or sequence you do, this is the golden rule: Take deep belly breaths using your diaphragm to pull your lungs down as you inhale. To exhale, suck your belly button toward your spine to push the diaphragm up and empty all the air from your lungs. Feel better? That’s the kind of chemical it’s smart to get addicted to.

About The Zoomer Report
Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.