Podcast Summary
Tech and breathing: Many people hold their breath or take shallow breaths while using digital devices, leading to 'email apnea' or 'screen apnea', which can negatively impact relaxation and stress reduction through deep breathing.
Our screen time may be negatively impacting our breathing. According to Linda Stone, a tech industry veteran and researcher, many people hold their breath or take shallow breaths while using digital devices, leading to "email apnea" or "screen apnea." This disturbed breathing can be particularly problematic because deep breaths are often recommended for relaxation and stress reduction. Linda's research, which involved monitoring people's heart rate variability and breathing patterns while they used computers, showed that only individuals with specific training, such as military personnel, athletes, and performers, were able to breathe properly while using screens. This discovery highlights the importance of being aware of our breathing while using technology and taking conscious breaks to practice deep breathing exercises.
Tech and Breathing: Using technology for extended periods can negatively impact breathing, leading to health issues like acidic body, kidney problems, and oxygen imbalance.
Our technology use can negatively impact our breathing, leading to various health issues. Linda Stone, a pioneer in this field, discovered this phenomenon decades ago when she noticed her own compromised breathing while using her computer. The consequences include an acidic body, kidney issues, and an imbalance of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitric oxide. These chronic diseases have risen in tandem with the widespread adoption of personal technology. Stone attempted to improve her breathing by taking inspiration from a cellist and trying various activities like ballroom dancing and taking frequent breaks. Despite the passage of time and the increasing awareness of the importance of breath work, many people still struggle to make the connection between their tech habits and their respiratory health. To address this, it's crucial to be aware of how our relationship with technology affects our personal health and relationships, and to explore ways to improve our breathing while using screens. When we maintain good posture and minimize interruptions, we can be healthy breathers even while looking at a screen.
Proper Breathing: Proper breathing is crucial for good health, but many have lost the ability due to modern lifestyles and poor posture. Focus on expanding stomach, nose breathing, and deep, slow breaths to improve health and prevent issues like asthma, anxiety, stress, and chronic diseases.
Proper breathing is essential for good health, but many people have lost the ability to breathe correctly due to modern lifestyles and posture. Poor breathing, characterized by chest breathing, mouth breathing, and unconscious holding of the breath, can lead to various health issues, including asthma, anxiety, stress, and even chronic diseases like stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. This issue can be traced back to industrialization, which led to the loss of whole foods that required extensive chewing and the adoption of poor posture. To breathe properly, one should focus on expanding the stomach gently and breathing through the nose. Taking inspiration from healthy animals like dogs and horses, deep, slow, and nose breathing is the key to utilizing the full capacity of the lungs and improving overall health.
Breathing habits and focus: Assessing heart rate variability can help determine breathing efficiency and stress levels. Practice deep, easy breaths to improve focus, lower stress, and enhance overall well-being.
The way we breathe during the day significantly impacts our focus, ability to regulate emotions, and overall health. Poor breathing habits can send stress signals to the brain, making it harder to focus and breathe efficiently. A simple way to assess your breathing is by checking your heart rate variability (HRV), which measures the difference between heartbeats during inhalation and exhalation. The greater the variability, the lower your stress levels. Contrary to popular belief, a steady heartbeat is not ideal, as it can indicate disease. Instead, focus on deep, easy breaths that expand your abdomen and lift to your chest, inhaling and exhaling through your nose at a rate of around five to six seconds each. This practice, known as reset breathing, can help you relax, lower your heart rate, and improve your overall well-being. With consistent practice, these breathing habits will become automatic, allowing you to reap the benefits without conscious effort.
Mindful breathing: Mindful breathing can improve decision-making, reduce stress, and enhance focus, leading to better emotional regulation and overall well-being
Practicing mindful breathing can significantly improve decision-making abilities, reduce stress levels, and enhance focus. James Nestor, author of "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art," emphasizes the importance of this simple practice. While it may seem trivial, consistent breathing exercises can lead to noticeable improvements in emotional regulation and overall well-being. As information workers, accepting the connection between our bodies and brains is crucial for optimal performance. Treating ourselves as mental athletes and prioritizing regular breaks and oxygen intake can help us function at our best. Remember, everyone's approach to health and wellness is unique, so explore the resources available on NPR's Body Electric feed and find what works best for you.