Breathing is the vital process of moving air into and out of the lungs, bringing in oxygen and flushing out carbon dioxide.

Under normal circumstances, the breathing depth and rate is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Hence, we seldomly pay attention to it, and yet, breath is connected to everything we do and is with us in every moment of our lives. 
Breathing should be naturally efficient and effortless, but unfortunately the experiences of our lives affect it to the point that most of us have become dysfunctional breathers.

Have you ever noticed that your breath is often shallow and doesn't have much aliveness to it? Or that you might stop breathing when scared or when trying not to cry? Have you noticed how you might hold your belly in when you are inhaling? Or that you breathe only in your chest and shoulders, creating tension in your body?
All these are just a few examples of how we breathe incorrectly. While it is natural and healthy for the breath patterns to change as we experience different emotional and physiological states, what often happens is that we become habituated to breathing patterns that are constricted and indicate disregulation. This, in turn, has the effect of locking our system into a stress response.

According to several studies, 90% of us are dysfunctional breathers, with negative consequences for our health and wellbeing. Becoming aware of our patterns of breathing and changing them will help us live healthier and longer lives.