What if I told you that holding your breath could lead you to become tired, depressed and even sick?  Well it’s true.  By holding your breath you are reducing the oxygen level in your body and increasing the level of stress chemicals and carbon dioxide.  This causes the human body to become tired, it increases depression and weakens the immune system.
 
By taking slow, deep breaths you can begin to eliminate these negative effects on your body and give yourself more energy to enjoy your day.  Below are a few breathing techniques that you can use.
 
Adjust Your Posture
 
The average American has less than ideal posture.  The majority of us slouch while we sit or walk and it gradually gets worse as we become tired.  While you are sitting in your truck, make sure you focus on sitting up straight.  This will allow your lungs to fully expand and you will absorb as much oxygen as possible.

Breathing Techniques
 
Breathing out of your mouth is a no-no
 
When I was growing up my parents used to tell me to breath out of my nose and not my mouth.  I never knew why it really mattered.  In fact, there is scientific research that shows breathing out of your nose will help to stimulate your brain
 
Breathing in through your left nostril activates the right, creative side of your brain.  Then breathing in through your right nostril will activate the left, analytical side of your brain.
 
In addition to stimulating your brain nose breathing also triggers a release of anti-bacterial molecules, which will help your immune system by providing you with cleaner air.  By making sure you stay as healthy as possible you will allow yourself to log as many miles as possible each week.
 
Practice abdominal breathing techniques
 
Start by placing one hand on your heart and the other on your abdomen.  Breath in deep so that you can fully expand your lungs.  The goal is to take anywhere from six to ten deep breaths every minute for 10 minutes per day.  The effects will be a drop in your heart rate and lower blood pressure.
 
Wrapping it up
 
Stress can add up while you are on the road and being able to find creative ways to overcome it is important.  The next time you are feeling the pressures of being able to hit your miles for the month or being able to make your delivery deadline remember these breathing techniques.  They will help lead to a happier, healthier you.

Image Source - https://www.flickr.com/photos/creativedc/

Comment (1)

Sean Bryant

Sean is a graduate of the University of Iowa where he received a Bachelor's of Arts degree in economics. After beginning his career in banking, he found his love for marketing. Before arriving at ATBS in 2014 he spent time working for two different technology startups as well as his own freelance marketing company.

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Very good blog. I've found that when I'm utilizing muscle strength to secure freight, that I actually hold my breath at times. It's not the straining of muscles that creates rapid breathing, but the disruption in normal breathing. I was taught controlled breathing in the military to reduce stress. Breathing is directly linked to the heart beat; if you can relax your breathing, you can slow your heart rate down and thus reduce stress.

September 28, 2014 9:32:13 AM