Breathing, we don’t think about it and do it unconsciously. Yet researchers are convinced that conscious breathing makes a world of difference.
Tension and stress
On busy days or when we are full of tension, anger or stress, we can calm our body with breathing techniques. They are techniques we can apply anytime and anywhere: at your computer, at the coffee machine, or on the go.
Relaxation and calm
Of our autonomous bodily functions, breathing is one of the few we can influence. In doing so, we also influence bodily functions such as heart rate and blood pressure.
When breathing in, your heartbeat speeds up and when breathing out, it slows down. Taking a few good breaths in and out gives you an energetic feeling.
Exhaling
Several studies therefore say that we should mainly focus on that exhalation.
Deeper and slower breathing, and especially extending your exhalation, brings relaxation and calm.
So if you experience an emotional moment or a dip, concentrate well to exhale longer.
People with anxiety and panic disorders therefore learn to focus on their breathing when they feel an anxiety attack coming. We should therefore not see breathing techniques as the solution to complex health problems. But they can, through their positive influence on our autonomic nervous system, help reduce stress. Thus, they also affect our health and peace of mind. Practice daily so that good breathing becomes automatic.
