How many times do you catch yourself holding your breath in times of stress of anxiety or pain? Are you even aware that you hold your breath? It is very common in times of stress that we hold our breath and naturally this has an effect on our bodies. During times of emotional stress our sympathetic nervous system is stimulated and effects a number of physical responses. Our heart rate rises, we perspire, our muscles tense and our breathing becomes rapid and shallow. If this process happens over a long period of time, the sympathetic nervous system becomes over stimulated leading to an imbalance that can effect our physical health resulting in inflammation in the body, high blood pressure and muscle pain to name a few.The breath can be used to directly influence these stressful changes causing a direct stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system resulting in relaxation and a reversal of the changes seen with the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. We can see how our bodies know to do this naturally when we take a deep breath or sigh when a stress is relieved. So next time you find yourself feeling stressed, take some time out to breathe! If your body doesnt get enough oxygen then naturally your body wont function at its best.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:53:13 +0000