Are You Mindful of Your Breath?

Hello, everyone. As we move further into this era of an aging society, how are you all doing? I’m Hayakawa, your guide to the world of dance and rhythmic gymnastics.

Breathing is something we do all day long, yet it is surprisingly difficult to stay conscious of it. However, simply shifting your focus to your breath can bring an incredible range of benefits to your body.

The breathing technique I recommend is incredibly simple: "Inhale through your nose." That’s it. (Take a deep breath in...)

Breathing through the mouth tends to make our breaths shallow and frequent. This can make it easier for bacteria to enter the system and may even lead to hyperventilation. While both mouth and nasal breathing deliver oxygen to the lungs, the way the air travels makes a world of difference.

When you breathe through your nose, it stimulates the medulla oblongata and the respiratory centers—critical areas of our nervous system. This enhances your "Breathing Power"—the strength of the muscles used for respiration.

As your breathing power improves, your upper body naturally lifts, and your pelvis becomes more stable. The muscles involved here include the diaphragm, the transverse abdominis, the pelvic floor, and the multifidus.

The multifidus, in particular, consists of tiny muscles located between each vertebra. By strengthening your breathing power, you can actually reduce the risk of conditions like herniated discs or spinal canal stenosis. Furthermore, a stable pelvic floor ensures smooth coordination with your hips and femurs, which helps reduce the risk of trips and falls.

Additionally, when the diaphragm moves effectively, the transverse abdominis—which acts as your body’s natural corset—kicks in. Many people find that this simple habit helps tone their waistline!

Even issues with elimination, which often arise with age, are closely linked to how we breathe. This is why it is so important to practice nasal breathing before any specific health problems emerge.

For example, I turn my three-minute walk from the parking lot to the station into "nasal breathing training." You don’t need to set aside special time or "get ready" to do it. While you're walking, waiting for a traffic light, or during any small gap in your day—that's enough.

Simply inhaling slowly through your nose calms the mind and helps you feel more connected to your body.

Why not start today? Give nasal breathing a try. (Inhale...)