We've raised 800,000 EUR to continue making people feel better
App
When an individual is under extreme stress, their prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain that controls rational thinking) becomes impaired, making it difficult to regain calmness through logical reasoning. However, with various breathing exercises found on the VOS app, it is possible to regain some mental control and achieve calmness.
Why Does Breathing Exercises Calm Your Mind?
Different emotions are related to distinct breathing patterns; therefore, altering your breathing patterns can change how you feel. For instance, when experiencing happiness, your breathing will often be slow, deep, and regular. On the contrary, your breathing becomes shallow, fast, short, and irregular when you are angry and anxious. Therefore, when you follow breathing patterns associated with certain emotions, you can begin to experience those corresponding emotions.
How Does Deep Breathing Calm Your Body and Mind?
The autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary processes such as digestion and heart rate, is divided into two parts. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for your fight-or-flight response. And the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the rest and relaxation responses.
Although both parts of the nervous system are always operating, deep breathing can help calm the sympathetic nervous system and lessen feelings of anxiety or stress.
You cannot completely turn off the sympathetic nervous system, but shifting your breathing to a slow, regulated and relaxed pattern can help turn it down.
Deep Breathing Exercise We Recommend on Our Vos App
Deep breathing exercises involve taking long, slower breaths from your stomach.
When performing this exercise, we encourage individuals to begin by turning on their sympathetic nervous system. To do this;
- Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and think of a stressful situation.
- Notice how your body reacts, your heart might start beating faster, and your breathing might get shallower.
- Now, focus on your breathing, ensuring that you breathe from your stomach.
- Count at least 3 seconds each time you are breathing in and out.
- Perform this exercise for a few minutes until you notice that your body is calmer and more relaxed.
Noticing how your body feels during this exercise will be more effective than a person describing it to you.
Bottom Line
Although deep breathing is simple, it is not necessarily easy. The exercise can quiet your nervous system, but it may not provide instant relief from your stress. However, the more you practice it, the more you will be able to calm yourself with it during stressful situations.
