The muscles sandwiched between adjacent ribs (intercostals) and those stretched across the floor of your ribcage (diaphragm) are designed to pump and squeeze air in and out of the chest. All breathing muscles need to remain pliable and unobstructed if they are to work effectively. The passages between your nose and your lungs need to remain open and free.
What, you ask, does this have to do with a tape measure? When was the last time you actually measured your neck, your chest, and your waist? Like so many of us, you may have been squeezing yourself into clothes two sizes too small for so long that strangulation now feels normal! Don’t hang onto your college measurements when you buy a new necktie, belt, collar, or bra.
When you restrict your windpipe, your neck, your rib muscles and your diaphragm, you have distorted and inhibited breathing. Go get the tape measure. Update your clothing sizes. Your lungs will thank you. You are gorgeous at any size!
Be well. Breathe beautifully.
The Way We Breathe
