The Science of How a Simple Breathing Exercise Can Relieve Stress
We all experience stress—it's an inevitable part of life. However, our bodies have an in-built relaxation system, and it's right under our noses—literally! As surprising as it might sound, the simple act of breathing can work wonders on our body's ability to combat stress.
The Hidden Power of Your Breath
Your autonomic nervous system (ANS) serves as your body's control center for unconscious bodily functions. This system is divided into two parts—the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that gears us up for action and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) that cools us down and allows the body to rest.
The fast pace of modern life means that our SNS, also known as our "fight or flight" system, is often in overdrive. The good news? Your breath has the power to activate the PNS, your very own built-in stress relief system!
Your Body's Response to Breathing Exercises
Here's a rundown of the magic that happens inside your body when you practice breathing exercises:
Heart Rate: Ever wondered why you feel relaxed after a good yoga session? One reason is bradycardia—a slowing of the heart rate, which is a direct result of deep, controlled breathing.
Blood Pressure: Those deep breaths you take during meditation also cause vasodilation—the widening of blood vessels—helping to lower your blood pressure.
Cortisol Levels: Breathing exercises can help keep your cortisol, the notorious 'stress hormone,' in check. High cortisol levels can lead to several health problems like insomnia and depression.
Oxygen Levels: Breathing exercises improve oxygen saturation in your body, allowing for a more efficient energy production and making you feel refreshed and energized.
Relaxation Response: Last, but certainly not least, breathing exercises stimulate your body's relaxation response, reducing metabolic rate, heart rate, and blood pressure to create a sense of deep calm.
Your New Stress-Busting Tool: The 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise
Now that we've teased apart the science, let's dive into practice. The 4-7-8 technique is a powerful breathing exercise you can start today:
Get Comfortable: Find a calm, quiet spot where you can relax without interruptions.
Shut Out the World: Close your eyes to help concentrate on your breath and block out distractions.
Take a Deep Breath: Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of four.
Hold it: Hold that breath for a count of seven, allowing for optimal oxygen exchange in your lungs.
Breathe Out: Now exhale fully through your mouth for a count of eight, letting out all residual air and carbon dioxide.
Repeat: That’s one cycle! Now repeat this process three more times for a total of four cycles.
This practice is more than a momentary stress-reliever—it’s a long-term wellness tool. Like a fine wine, the 4-7-8 technique gets better with time. Practice regularly, and you'll see its power amplify, making it an effective ally in your stress management toolbox.
This is a simple, yet powerful, technique to harness the power of your breath and steer your body towards relaxation. So, the next time stress threatens to throw you off balance, just remember—you've got the power, right under your nose!