Take a Deep Breath
Breathing Through Your Nose Can Improve Brain Function.
I’d like to share some fascinating information about the power of breathing when it comes to calming our emotions and reducing stress.
You’ve probably heard the advice to “just take a deep breath” when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and it turns out there’s actually science to back up this claim! When we take slow, deep breaths, our heart rate decreases and our parasympathetic nervous system (the part of our nervous system responsible for calming us down) becomes more active. This leads to a state of relaxation in our bodies and minds.
Did you know that breathing through your nose can enhance this calming effect even further? Researchers at Northwestern Medicine have found that nasal breathing actually coordinates electrical signals in the parts of our brain responsible for processing emotions and memories. When we inhale through our nose, these signals become stronger, and we’re able to better recall things we’ve seen or experienced.
But don’t worry if you’re not a nose-breather! Any slow, steady breathing can activate the calming part of our nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. This is why practices like meditation and yoga, which often involve slow, deep breathing, can be so beneficial for our mental health.
So the next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, remember to take a few slow, deep breaths. Whether you breathe in through your nose or mouth, the act of focusing on your breath can help to calm your mind and soothe your nervous system.
