Breath is a critical element to our life. You are breathing right now as you read this. You breathe perhaps 20,000 times each day. And breathing can greatly influence your health and happiness. Read on for some techniques for proper breathing as well as some breathing exercises.

Many other cultures already know the importance of breath. Incorrect breathing can lead to tension, exhaustion, vocal strain and can encourage illness. So why is breathing so important?

Breathing oxygenates every cell of your body, including your brain and vital organs. If your body does not have sufficient oxygen, it becomes more vulnerable to health problems. Breathing deeply increases levels of blood oxygen, which promotes good health by stimulating the digestive process and by improving mental performance.

So are you breathing incorrectly? Possibly. Many people are shallow breathers, using only the narrow top portion of the lung surface. You want to fill your lungs deeply by utilizing your diaphragm.