How breathing calms our nervous system

Working with clients I am often using some breathing/grounding exercises. Some clients are open to give it a go and try, and some are hesitant, some would say I have tried, doesn’t work… While I understand we are all different and have had different experiences, I strongly encourage everyone to find something that works for them. It could be a walk in nature, dance classes, exercise, doing some gardening, crafts, hobbies or using breathing exercises in your day-to-day basis. 

I would like to explain a bit more  about how breathing calms our nervous system. 

· Deep, slow breathing sends a signal to our brain to calm down and activates the parasympathetic “rest and digest” system. 

· Using our diaphragm for deep breaths it stimulates the vagus nerve. The part in brain that triggers the body’s relaxation response. 

· Taking slow and steady breaths, its increases oxygen supply to our brain, making us calm and improving cognitive function. 

· Rapid, shallow breathing during stress can lower carbon dioxide levels, increase the excitability of the amygdala and worsen our anxiety. Deep breathing helps to stabilize these levels and reduces the brains stress responses. 

· The physical process of deep breathing helps to lower our cortisol levels, the stress hormone. 

Benefits of deep breathing 

· Breathing reduces anxiety and stress, by moving from a “fight or flight” state to a “rest and digest” state. 

· Breathing exercises promotes relaxation, slowing down our heart rate, relaxing muscles and lowering blood pressure, leading to a greater sense of calm. 

· Breathing enhances our focus, improves our concentration and cognitive function. 

· Breathing improves our overall sleep, calms our mind and body. 

I hope you will give it a go and see if it works for you!