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This One Thing You Do Every Day Prolongs Your Life When You Do It Right
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There are five scientific based reasons for giving some attention to our breathing and practicing controlled breathing:
1. Managing Anxiety
Since controlled breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, it also stimulates the vagus nerve. This is the nerve that runs from the base of the brain to your abdomen. This nerve is responsible for the lowering, or increase in heart rate, as well as for mediating the response of the nervous system, as well as other functions. A feeling of increased focus and calm occurs when the vagus nerve is stimulated as it releases a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. The vagus nerve also plays some role in depression, although scientists are not exactly sure what that role is.
2. Managing Stress Levels
One of the major benefits of controlled breathing is stress relief or stress management. Your brain is always on the lookout for possible threats to your survival. We are wired to react in a defensive manner to anything that appears to be a threat to us, whether that threat is physical or psychological. Controlled breathing is your most important tool when it comes to preventing stress overload. This natural means of relaxing both mind and body is a built-in, completely free, super effective tool for keeping stress levels at a minimum.
3. Lowers Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
When practiced regularly, studies have shown that deep breathing results in lower heart rates and blood pressure levels which over time, leads to less wear and tear on the blood vessels. Using deep breathing can aid in the prevention of heart attacks, strokes, and the risk of cerebral aneurysm. This can lead to a greatly prolonged lifespan.
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