2

BREATHING

THERAPY

Tried everything under the sun to

combat stress and enhance your

general wellbeing, but struggling

to see any improvement? Perhaps

your breathing is holding you back.

Wait... hear us out! Did you know,

you breathe about 22,000 times

every day, although most of the time

you are unaware of your lungs even

working. Even though this instinct

comes from our very first breath, as

we age we adopt poor breathing

techniques due to numerous factors,

including high-pressure jobs, bad

posture, emotional trauma and even

restrictive clothing. This results in

increased stress levels and anxiety,

and a decrease in energy levels, and

can further negatively affect your

cardiovascular health.

Despite our lungs retaining 1

litre of air in our airways at all times,

according to the Lung Foundation

Australia, it’s how we breathe that

makes a difference. Even simply

taking three deep breaths can

bring about a sense of calmness.

If you want to take this further, the

hottest health and wellbeing trend

is breathing therapy, or ‘breathwork’.

In these sessions you will learn

correct breathing techniques,

which help lead you to a healthier

life. For more information, visit

australianbreathworkassociation.org.

(^3) As chilly breezes roll through,
remember to go check on your
neighbours – especially the elderly
and those who are unwell. If you find
their home is cold, invite them over for
a warming dinner (and show off your
new favourite dishes, from page 18),
pass on some spare blankets you may
have lying around or offer to pick up
their groceries. Or maybe you have a
cupboard or box full of unused coats,
hats, scarves and gloves? Pull them out
of storage and donate them to shelters
or a charity of your choice (such as XTM
Heat the Homeless, The Smith Family
or The Salvation Army) that accepts
clothing donations.
A simple act of kindness has
several positive effects on your
mental health. Kindness is a natural
painkiller, which ultimately lowers
stress levels and improves mood,
depression and anxiety. Kindness also
elevates dopamine levels, which help
you lighten up and feel good about
yourself. And, most of all, it helps
people who are struggling know there
is hope and help when they need it.
GIVE
A LITTLE,
GAIN
A LOT