Breathe Away Your Troubles

Deep breathing has been recognized as  a method of managing stress since it can affect our physical, mental and emotional health. It signals the brain to relax and calm down.Deep breathing works because it activates the parasympathetic nervous system and stimulates the vagus nerve, which results in effects such as decreased heart rate, slowed respiration and reduced cortisol levels. It also allows more oxygen to enter the bloodstream, which improves immunity, increases stamina, and enables the blood to carry and absorb nutrients more efficiently. Additionally, deep breathing causes the release of endorphins resulting in a "feel good" attitude which also helps relieve pain. Further, it helps release carbon dioxide from the body and releases toxins.The first step in deep breathing is to ensure you're breathing through your diaphragm and not through your chest. You can put one hand on your stomach and one on your chest to make sure your stomach is rising as you breathe in. Breathe slowly and calmly in and out through your nose. You can start by breathing in for 5 seconds and then out for 5 seconds. Some people hold their breath before breathing out, while others breathe out for longer than they breathe in.  A popular advanced breathing technique is the 4-7-8 breathing  technique where you breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and breathe out for 8 seconds.

Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body and should be utilized as a lifestyle change.