Let’s talk about the big breathing muscle, the respiratory diaphragm.

It’s a big sheet of muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. Your heart sits right on top of it! We’ve all heard about diaphragmatic breathing and how important it is for people who use their voice for their work. There is some confusion, because some call it belly breathing, and, trust me, you don’t breath in and out of your belly. However, relaxed and natural breathing does make your belly expand outward as you inhale. That’s because your diaphragm muscle is contracting and pushing downward toward your abdominal organs. Lots of folks do it backwards but babies always do it right.

Check yourself and see if you breathe like a baby!