Strength in Your Lungs: Do you have the Capacity built for Longevity?

Inhale for 1, 2, 3, 4. Hold for 1, 2, 3, 4. Exhale for 1, 2, 3, 4. How did that feel? Was it easy, or more difficult than expected? Most of us don't think about breathing until we're struggling to do it. Whether from illness, asthma, smoking, vaping, exposure to toxins, or simply a lack of cardiovascular exercise, reduced lung function makes everyday life harder. The harder your lungs work to exchange air, the harder your heart must work to deliver oxygen throughout the body. On the other hand, the more efficiently your lungs supply oxygen-rich blood to your muscles and organs, the more energy, endurance, and resilience you'll have to meet the demands of life. Healthy respiratory and cardiovascular systems help your body perform, recover, and fight off disease more effectively. The good news is that many factors influencing lung health are within our control. Regular cardiovascular exercise, avoiding harmful substances, practicing intentional breathing, and spending time in fresh air can all improve your capacity over time. Strong leaders aren't built by constantly operating on empty, working hard to burn out- they build the capacity to handle more, sustainably.

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

• Practice Diaphragmatic Breathing

  • Lie on your back, knees bent, feet planted, one hand on chest, one hand on abs, inhale through nose and push stomach out, exhale while tightening abs and letting them fall towards the ground. Repeat x 10.

• Aerobic Exercises

  • At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity per week!

• Trade up in your Habits

  • Swap cigarettes and vaping for other stress-reducers, for something like munching on grapes, chewing sugar-free gum, or even doing some of the first two tips!

REFLECTION:

• Do you find yourself getting winded on normal daily tasks like walking up the stairs?

• Does it sound like good news to have an easier time breathing?

• Have you tried these tips before and still not where you’d like to be in lung capacity?

NEXT STEPS:

As you come along this weekly year-long journey, I invite you to a complimentary 90-minute taste at what it looks like to experience a Healthy Culture in your teams, organizations, and homes. Find out more about our Healthy Culture Seminar through this link.

->Want to get clearer, specifically, on your Physical Health?

Contact me via any of these communication mediums , I’m happy to help!

In your corner,

Darien

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