Just breathe

Inhale…pause…exhale…

One of the first things we do when we come to this world is to breathe, and it is also one of the last ones when we finish our tasks here. There are many things in between these two very important events that can change our way and ability to breathe, for example, anxiety, certain diseases, medications, emotional states, etc. 

Fortunately, there have been many studies that support the benefits of different breathing techniques which can help us cope with many of the different causes of breathing pattern changes. 

The most simple breathing technique is taking a slow, deep, mindful breath. I found that doing this is like a little reset button when you need it most. Practicing deep, slow, mindful breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering a relaxation response that can help reduce stress and anxiety; regulate blood pressure and heart rate; improve sleep and concentration, and decrease pain. 

In order to get the benefits of this simple wellness-enhancing technique, it is better to practice it regularly. So, next time you need a little reset during your day, remember to take a slow, deep breath.