Deep Breathing for Stress Relief

When we are stressed, our breathing will change to reflect the response from the nervous system. We can check in with our nervous system by stopping and paying attention to our breath. Chest breathing is a sigh of sympathetic dominance which is the section of the nervous system often referred to as “Fight for Flight”. When we stay in this state of sympathetic dominance we get stuck in the dis-ease cycle which can lead to numerous chronic diseases.

Effects of Chronic Stress

Photo Credit: Institute for Functional Medicine

As seen above, stress is linked to a number of health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive dysfunction, chronic pain and more.

Yet don’t get discouraged, because there are techniques we can use to change the effect that stress has on us. Research now shows that it’s not the stress itself that leads to the dis-ease, but our perception of the stress, or we should say “stressors”. Therefore with deep breathing exercise (as demonstrated in my video below) , we can change the way our body responds to the stressors. How does this work? Just as our breathing is a reflection of our nervous system, we can change our breathing to effect our nervous system. Deep diaphragmatic belly breathing can bring our body back into a parasympathetic state often referred to as “Rest and Digest”. Additionally it increases oxygenated blood flow to all parts of the body and brain allowing to relax our muscles, improve digestion, and bring mental clarity.

Hope this special technique helps you feel calm and at peace in the present moment no matter what stressors are around you. Feel free to comment below or share with a friend!