Deep Breathing for Health

🌬️ Just Breathe: How Deep Breathing Can Boost Your Health (Especially During Cancer Recovery)

Have you ever stopped and listened to your breathing? I mean really listened? Most of us go through the day with shallow, chest-level breaths that barely feed our lungs—much less fuel our body. But slow, deep breathing for health can do so much more than just calm your nerves. It’s a simple, natural tool that can help reduce pain, ease anxiety, and even support healing—especially if you’re walking through something like cancer.

Let’s sit down together and chat about how something as basic as breathing can become one of your most powerful wellness tools.

---

🌱 Why Breathing Matters—More Than You Think

Your breath is more than just air moving in and out. It affects nearly every system in your body:

• Oxygen fuels every cell and organ

• Deep breathing slows your heart rate

• It lowers cortisol (your stress hormone)

• It increases lymphatic flow, helping your body detox

When you’re dealing with cancer, stress is often high. Fear creeps in. Treatments can take a toll. And yet—breath is one thing you can control. Learning to slow it down and breathe deeply gives your body a message: “You’re safe.”

“When we are looking to recover from disease, especially cancer, we cannot afford to overlook the central question of breathing.” Dr. Mark Sircus

---

🧘‍♀️ How Many Breaths Per Minute Is Healthy?

Most of us take 15–20 shallow breaths per minute—but the magic happens when you slow it down.

Studies show that breathing at 6–10 breaths per minute (yes, that’s one breath every 6–10 seconds) can:

• Improve heart rate variability (a good sign of resilience)

• Lower blood pressure

• Reduce inflammation

• Increase feelings of peace and wellbeing

So if you want a number to shoot for? 6 deep breaths per minute is a solid goal. Try inhaling for 4–5 seconds, and exhaling for 5–6 seconds. That’s it.

---

🛋️ Try This: Simple Breathing Technique

Here’s a little routine I use myself. You can do it in your favorite chair, lying in bed, or sitting on the porch listening to the birds.

The “4-7-8” Method (Relax & Reset):

• Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds

• Hold the breath for 7 seconds

• Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds

• Repeat for 4 rounds

This gently resets your nervous system. Deep Breathing for Health – Do it morning and evening—or anytime anxiety sneaks up on you.

---

🌸 Cancer, Healing, and the Power of Breath

If you’re recovering from cancer (or helping someone who is), deep breathing does more than reduce anxiety. It helps:

• Improve oxygen circulation

• Ease nausea and fatigue

• Encourage better sleep

• Calm the immune system

Some hospitals even use guided breathwork or meditation during chemotherapy sessions to reduce side effects. That’s how powerful it can be.

And best of all? It’s free. You can do it anywhere. No pills. No prescriptions.

---

💡 Bonus Tips:

• Pair breathing with music or gentle nature sounds

• Try it during walks—inhale for 4 steps, exhale for 6

• Add a hand on your belly to feel your diaphragm rise and fall

---

🕯️ Final Thought

When life gets heavy—and I know it can—don’t forget that your breath is still there. It’s your anchor. Your reset button. Whether you’re battling an illness, supporting a loved one, or just trying to make it through a stressful day, remember to pause…and breathe.  Do deep breathing exercises for health~

You’re doing better than you think.  Contact me with any questions or comments.

---