Alexander Technique Help for Computer Users – Part 6: Breathe!
Breathe!
I was tempted to leave it at that, and have a one-word blog post for this latest in my series for computer users! Simply, if we just keep reminding ourselves to breathe as we work at our computers we’ll be a lot better off!
I find that most people end up holding their breath a lot while working at the computer – often completely subconsciously.
And holding the breath means excess tension! – something we want to avoid at the best of times, and maybe particularly at the computer when so many other things can “go wrong” as we focus exclusively on the screen, seemingly forgetting that we inhabit a body that needs to be look after too.
In past blog posts I’ve looked at why our posture is important to our breath, and why it’s useful to have a fairly accurate basic understanding of breathing – in particular the way the ribs move with our breath, and that we don’t need to “take a breath!” I encourage you to read those past posts – the information is completely relevant as you sit at your computer.
So rather than repeating myself here, let’s think instead about when we are more likely to hold our breath or restrict our breathing as we work. I think we’re likely to hold our breath when:
- concentrating hard on getting a piece of work done
- we’re waiting for a page or post to load
- the technology is not working the way it should…
- we’re anxious about an email we’ve received
- we’re writing an email we’re anxious about
- we’re in a hurry
- we’re stressed
Can you think of more?
It’s all about improving our awareness of what we’re doing right here, right now. Getting in touch with the breath helps you be present to yourself. When you notice that you’re holding your breath, just allow yourself to exhale gently, observing the in-breath that will naturally follow. Take time to pay attention to your breath as often as possible while you work.
Holding your breath affects your whole system. Alexander Technique teaches us to pay attention to our selves – mind, body and breath. What do you notice about your breath as you work at the computer?
Being aware of my body is one of the gifts given me from the Alexander Technique. Noticing how we are breathing moment to moment plays a huge role in getting in touch with how we use and misuse our bodies.
A stressor for me at the PC all day is the constant interruption either by telephone or e-mail pop ups continually forcing me to change gears and juggle multiple tasks. Of course, it is the keeping track of one task to the other that is stressful and difficult.
Getting up from time to time, staying in touch with how we use our bodies, especially through either the forced or ease of our breathing is extremely useful in managing the best way to navigate our way through the day with a minimum tension and maximum amount of ease. Thank you Imogen.
Jerry, I completely agree that being aware of our breath plays a huge role in how we use our bodies. I would imagine with all your work interruptions, remembering to pause and breathe is a huge part of dealing with them more effectively and calmly. And great that you are able to get up from time to time – however “well” we are sitting, movement and variation are always good š
Walter Carrington (one of Alexander’s early students and his main assistant on his training course in the 40s and 50s) used to say something to the effect that if you’re breathing is going well, it’s almost certain the rest of you is too.
When I first heard this from him, I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. I not even sure I understood what he meant by breathing going well.
Today his statement seems sort of obvious. Nice blog Imogen!
Well, I completely agree with Walter Carrington! I see that in my students all the time (and myself…).
Of course you could flip in the other way around – if the rest of us is functioning well, the breathing must we operating well too… Our entire coordination and our breathing are completely interlinked – it seems to me you can’t change one with changing the other!
Another great post, Imogen!
I can think of just one more reason we hold our breath. Habit. I think holding your breath can become a habit because of all those other things you mentioned.
I think you’re right, Mark – habit is really the big reason behind all those little ones…!
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