The health benefits of breathing meditation are incredible. Not only are there a variety of styles to cater to individual strengths and personal gains, but breathing meditation is something you can do anywhere without any special equipment. Find the method that works for you and try to practice it regularly. It can be as simple as breathing in and out of your nose or taking the time to close your eyes while free of distractions. There are innumerable health benefits of breathing meditation, but we are going to focus on four main categories of wellness.

Wellness Benefits of Breathing Meditation

Mental Health Benefits

• Mindfulness practices can decrease depression
• Help regulate mood and anxiety
• Reduces overall stress and anxiety

Performance Benefits

• Improves focus, attention, and ability to perform under stressful conditions
• Improves information processing and decision making
• Fosters creativity

Physical Health Benefits

• Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and premature death

Relational Health Benefits

• Improves levels of compassion
• Improves positive relationships
• Fosters social connectedness

Your health is further affected by your environment, including your home, your workplace, and wherever you choose to meditate.

Just be sure you’re not canceling out all the health benefits of meditating by breathing in polluted air. The EPA warns that both the air inside and outside your home can contain air pollutants that cause serious health effects.

So before you start the beneficial deep breathing, learn how to improve your home’s Indoor Air Quality. Then find a quiet place, close your eyes, focus on your breathing, and let your mind do the rest.

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