Many of us aren’t even aware how stressed we truly are until we try to sit still with our mental thoughts. The high levels of stress hormone, cortisol, has a broad effect on our mind and body. The overproduction of cortisol and direct link to stress is what we see transforming into chronic inflammation, immune system depletion, insomnia, and fatal diseases. This is why the best approach to stop stressing is to start breathing – deeply and slowly.
Professor of biochemistry at Stanford, Mark Krasnow Ph.D., found that 3,000 neurons and about 60 types of nerve cells comprise our “breathing pacemaker”. Slow rhythmic breathing eases anxiety, reduces blood pressure, improves memory sharpens attention, and promotes happiness. Tapping into the direct line of the brain’s arousal center allows for the conscious deep breaths to switch from fight mode to calming mode. Basically, breathing can change the functionality or state of the mind to relieve stress. Neurologically, brain scans showed the anterior cortex (pain region) and prefrontal cortex (awareness region) are decoupled. Emphasizing each exhale is key as more toxins are released along with carbon dioxide from the lungs; thus allowing more oxygen to travel to the brain on the next inhalation. When you calm your breathing, you calm your mind.
We have all become completely mentally fatigued, and we aren’t even aware of it most of the time. Meditation or deep breathing is an excellent opportunity to cultivate mindfulness and awareness. Science is proving you can promote positive feelings of happiness as well as mental resilience. By making time to practice, you stop stressing to start working to break the cycle of stress.