
7 Reasons oats for dry, itchy skin are nature's best kept secret
When dry skin is making you wish it was socially acceptable to wear a moisturizing mask to work, it's probably...
If you've ever been in tizzy over something (and honestly, who hasn't?), chances are at least one person reminded you to stop and take a deep breath. This simple action is a go-to when you need to lower stress and clear your mind, but have you ever wonder why it's so effective?
Luckily, scientists have been exploring how these deep breathing benefits work — and it all has to do with an unexpected connection in your brain.
Taking a deep, cleansing breath can leave you feeling more relaxed and calm — on the other hand, rapid, uncontrolled breathing is often associated with stress, anxiety or panic. It took years to figure out but, scientists finally found an explanation for why, exactly, this happens.
There's a part of your brain known as the "breathing pacemaker," and as you might have guessed, it controls your breathing rhythm. It's made up of a whopping 3,000 neurons. One group of these neurons in particular is connected to the part of your brain that moderates feelings of alertness, attention and stress.
When you feel stressed or overly alert, your brain sends a message to your breathing pacemaker, speeding up your breath. But stop and take a slow, deep breath? You essentially override this signal. This, in turn, reduces your stress levels and calms you down. "We now know that the breathing center directly controls the activity of higher order brain functions," explains senior study author Mark Krasnow, a professor of biochemistry at Stanford University.
Want to try out some deep breathing exercises for yourself? If you'd like, it can be as simple as taking two or three deep breaths when you find yourself in a stressful situation. However, there are a number of specific exercises you can try as well.
Deep breathing benefits are nothing to scoff at — this exercise may be simple, but it actually benefits your mind on a neurological level. The next time you're feeling overwhelmed, give it a try. A calmer, more composed you is only a breath away.
The holiday season is upon us, bringing joy, merriment — and often, a fair amount of stress. No matter how much you may love this time of the year,...