Did you know?
A study by Stanford Medicine researchers found that five minutes of breathing exercise per day could reduce overall anxiety and improve mood.
Breathing is an automatic function of the body that is controlled by the respiratory center of the brain. When stressed, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system which leads to increased heart rate, rapid breathing and release of stress hormones. This change in breathing rate and pattern is part of the ‘fight-or-flight response’.
Fortunately, we have the power to deliberately change our own breathing. Studies have shown that controlling your breath can help to manage stress and stress-related conditions. Controlled breathing, particularly slow and deep breathing, can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the stress response, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
TWO TYPES OF BREATHING EXERCISES:
4-7-8 Breathing
This technique involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breathe for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. It is often used for relaxation to help with sleep.
Box Breathing
This technique involves inhaling for a count of 4, holding for 4, exhaling for 4, and holding for 4, creating a box-like pattern.
So, take a moment and just breathe. Separate yourself from those external influences that may be stressing you out and focus on your life-giving breath.
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