You know, very often, the manner in which a person holds himself or herself can impact quite noticeably upon their own feelings of self worth and also on how deeply they breathe.

I once read that shallow breathers are shallow people and, while I do not necessarily agree with that statement, I would suggest that shallow breathers are often those who might have low self-esteem and could benefit greatly from a change in body posture and breathing technique.

It is worth bearing in mind that those with what I would term a negative body posture must initially alter the way they hold themselves in order for the breathing to change also.

A negative body posture is easy to see. Shoulders are hunched forwards, eyes down, and dragging one foot after the other. And guess what? Those very same people are shallow breathers due to their posture. Negative begets negative.

Now, how can this easily be remedied and a chain reaction of affirmative actions be initiated instead of the aforementioned scenario?

Firstly, have you ever heard the saying You can never feel down when you are looking up? I have always loved this saying and it holds the key that opens the door to better posture and deep, energising, breathing.

If you feel you often need a better posture just try the following next time you are out walking and see how it positively changes your feelings of optimism and allows deeper breathing.

1.While walking put your chin up away from your chest.

2.Look towards the horizon and make each step you take meaningful. Push strongly off with your feet as you walk.

3.You have now eliminated hunching and opened up your airways more fully. This is key to improving energy, strength, and feeling better!

4.Feel yourself breathing and note whether it is still shallow. If so, consciously make your breaths deeper with the inhalation moving towards your belly button.

5.Do not force or hold the breath. Just focus on combining a better posture with deeper more energising breathing.

Having done this you should feel much better! Following these simple steps will mean you are simultaneously boosting self-esteem and creating better health through your breath.

Follow these simple protocols the next time you are out and you will quickly come to understand the saying You can never feel down when you are looking up!

Tim Webb 2005