Breathing techniques can soothe the body and mind and boost overall health, as they affect the brain and the cardiovascular system.
Here are a few breathing techniques that can boost your senior loved one’s heart and brain health.
Nostril Breathing
To try the nostril breathing technique, your loved one should close off one nostril and breathe in, and then alternate nostrils for as long as desired. Nostril breathing is an effective way to minimize anxiety and calm agitated minds. In yoga practice, the nostril breathing technique is supposed to balance the hemispheres of the brain, which increases physical and mental harmony and boosts a senior’s overall quality of life.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust in Fort Myers, senior care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
Mindful Breathing
Mindful breathing involves concentrating on the movement of the breath as it enters and exits the body. This breathing technique requires seniors to focus on the pattern of each breath as it moves from the nose to the lungs to the stomach and out again, and it often encourages people to breathe more slowly, which can have restorative health benefits. When practiced often enough, mindful breathing can lower blood pressure and slow the heartbeat, which boosts cardiovascular health and helps seniors calm down when they're feeling anxious.
Pranayama Breathing
Popularized by yoga, pranayama breathing involves inhaling deeply through the nose with the mouth closed, holding the breath in for a few seconds, and then exhaling through the nose. According to yogic teachings, pranayama breathing enhances the body's ability to manage stress by boosting the connection between the nervous system and stress response mechanism. The sympathetic nervous system, one half of the autonomic nervous system, is responsible for the body's ability to mobilize energy when faced with stressful situations. When the sympathetic nervous system is overused, the mind and body are negatively impacted, which can lead to high blood pressure, anxiety, and other health issues. Pranayama breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming frayed nerves, and it can lower the heart rate and increase blood flow throughout the body. By supporting the nervous system, pranayama breathing benefits both the heart and the mind.
Seniors who need help with breathing exercises and managing daily activities can benefit from professional in-home care. Get in touch with Home Care Assistance to find out how a Fort Myers, caregiver can help your aging loved one live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Our caregivers are available 24/7, all of our senior care services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Mantra Breathing
Unlike other breathing techniques, mantra breathing uses a repeated chant or phrase to keep the mind focused. Many seniors use this technique during meditation because it directs the flow of energy between the mind and the body, uniting the two in harmony. Mantra breathing is especially helpful for people with anxiety or depression because it reduces unhealthy subconscious patterns that trigger anxiety.
Engaging in breathing exercises is one of the many ways seniors can boost their heart and brain health. Professional caregivers can also help older adults enjoy a high quality of life, stave off a number of diseases, and boost their overall health. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Fort Myers Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. To schedule a free in-home consultation, call us at 239-449-4701 today.