You don’t think about your breath very often. It is always there when you need it. But paying more attention to your breathing significantly impacts your stress levels. When you are stressed or anxious, your breathing becomes irregular and shallow. It is because your chest cavity expands so much, making it difficult to more air.
Deep breathing, also called diaphragmatic breathing, allows more air to flow into your body and can help calm your nerves, reducing stress and anxiety. At the same time, it will enable you to increase your attention span and reduce pain levels.
That is why it is recommended to carry out this type of breathing, open your mouth and breathe deeply, calmly, and slowly, to obtain the following benefits.
1. Regulates Stress And Anxiety
Breathing is an action that is carried out involuntarily. For example, oxygen is inhaled, and carbon dioxide is exhaled, a leftover byproduct of cellular respiration.
According to a study at the University of Pisa, Italy, breathing can regulate anxiety attacks if done slowly, rhythmically, and deeply. In the same way, when oxygen is supplied to the body in a leisurely manner, the muscles are no longer tense. So the sympathetic system stops sending high spikes of cortisol and adrenaline.
2. Eliminate Toxins
Our body is designed to eliminate toxins through breathing. However, when the lungs are used to generate rapid breaths, these waste elements cannot be adequately expelled.
For this reason, it is recommended to become aware and take deep breaths at least 2 or 3 times a day.
3. Reduces Pain
When we feel some pain, something we unconsciously do is hold our breath. It is a natural brain mechanism when it receives some blow. However, if you suffer from chronic and regular pain, holding your breath for a few seconds and breathing slowly and deeply is recommended. This method releases endorphins, the body’s natural analgesics, performing a sedative effect due to breathing.
4. Improve Posture
Breathing correctly also allows us to improve the body schema, especially the part of the back and neck. Therefore, when living, the lungs are filled with air, and the spine is stimulated to place it in a more correct and balanced position. Stimulates the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system and comprises various tissues, organs, and ganglia, which have continuous functions.
One of these functions is carried out by lymphatic fluid; its goal is for the body to release the remains of dead cells and other waste. That is why deep breathing will help you achieve it.
