These times are considered the most sophisticated and abundant in the history of mankind. Education, technology, innovation, social reach – we cannot complain! Then, why are people so miserable and stressed? Why what we have does not make us happy? Why is it that, the more we have, the more we want? Why is it that, we are not content with what we have? Why is it that, we are not happy in these times?

Have you noticed how ‘taking things for granted’ has become an involuntary mindset? If we start listing all that our current lifestyle has forced us to ‘take for granted’ or ‘not feel aware of’, this blog space will fall short! However, let us start with the fundamental, basic and life-giving element that we hardly take notice of. This is a classic example of the saying “We take notice of our blessings only when it is in short supply or gone”.

You are still wondering what is this? Friends, this is what classifies as ‘living’ – yes, you guessed it right! Our BREATH!

Today I will share a perspective that will strike this item off your ‘taken for granted’ list.

Did you know?

• Most of us do not breathe right. Most people take short, shallow breaths into their chest. Oxygen levels fall and you experience stress. Stress now causes shallower breaths and you feel more anxious and zapped out of energy.
• Shallow breath directly means low intake of Oxygen and left-over Carbon dioxide in your body
• Shallow over-breathing, or hyperventilation, can prolong feelings of anxiety by making the physical symptoms of stress worse.
• Physical manifestations of this poor breathing, in turn, adversely affect your internal organs in the short and long run
• Shallow breathing doesn’t just make stress a response, it makes stress a habit our bodies, and therefore, our minds, are locked into

So, what is the solution, so you stay aware of your breath at all times? Is it a handy solution and easy to implement? Is it Free? Does it give quick results? ABSOLUTELY YES!!!

Before I share the solution, let me share one of my experiences that I am reminded of, as I write this article.

I planned my annual vacation and decided to go to Leh in India. I was very excited about this vacation, as I would now get to experience the highest motorable road in the world – The Khardungla Pass. Leh is 3500m above sea level while the Pass is another 2000m above – a whopping 5400m altitude! I had lived my entire life on the plains, next to the sea – so I had no idea of what awaited me at Khardungla.

As I drove up from Leh to the Khardungla Pass, I sensed how gradually I was finding breathing difficult. The air had started to grow thin, because of which the oxygen levels were fast dropping and I was finding it difficult to breathe as we ascended. Then there came a time when I would just reach out for my portable oxygen cylinder to prevent passing out.

I had started to panic as I had never felt so short of breath – not even when I was actively pursuing track and field sports. I was about 1 hour away from my destination when I saw a monastery and took a detour hoping one of the monks can help me with my problem. I did not want to go back midway – it was my dream vacation after all!

When I discussed my problem with the monks in the monastery, they smiled! Here I was, clutching my breath and hoping the next one comes easier, and the group around me sat there calm and smiling! One of them said, “You need to learn how to breathe and you will be fine.”

I would have done anything and if it meant learning to breathe again and going back to the day I was born, so be it.

After spending 1 hour at the monastery, practising the breathing technique, I felt calmer, composed and in control of my breath. I felt confident and ready to continue my journey to the top. Now my journey suddenly became fun, cheerful and full of energy – the road was the same, but the traveller was different!

I finally reached Khardungla Pass and ticked off this locale from my bucket list of vacations and added a whole bunch of new memories to my album, reliving them with friends and family.

Now, to answer what I started seeking with you – what is the easy way to stay aware of your breath at all times? I got the answers from the monks and a few invaluable lessons for life:

• Lesson 1: Practice taking long, deep breaths always
• Lesson 2: Always Breathe through your nose
• Lesson 3: Replace Chest Breathing with Belly / Diaphragmatic Breathing
  • Inhale / Breathe in such that your stomach inflates (like a balloon)
  • Exhale / Breathe out such that your stomach deflates completely
  • This ensures an optimal intake of oxygen
  • This ensures all carbon dioxide getting eliminated from your body
• Lesson 4: Always be aware of your breath – feel the cool air going in and the warm air coming out
• Lesson 5: When oxygen is less (like at high altitudes), take a long breath and space it out with frequent shorter breaths – always breathing through your belly.

My vacation was the triggering point where I embarked on a whole new journey with a fresh perspective. I continue to breathe right every single moment; every single day and my life is happier and stress-free. I hope this article becomes your turning point too…

So, what do you need to practice?

1. Anytime you feel stressed or low, focus on your breath, breathe right – take deep breaths and you will be amazed how your mind starts to relax and settle down.
2. Close your eyes and follow the breath – how it goes in cool and comes out warm.
3. Start focusing on solutions instead of problems – your breath will give you the much-needed clarity to devise the solution.

Contemplate on the above – YOUR BREATHE is a tool that you always carry with you without being fully aware of its potential!! It does not matter where you are – BREATHE RIGHT!! Take deep breaths all the way to your belly and you will see the difference:

• You will feel calmer and composed
• Any signs of stress will start dissolving – you will feel de-stressed immediately
• Your health will improve
• You will start enjoying life more

See you next week. Till then, Breathe Right, Stay Healthy and Stress-free!!