Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again. – L. Frank Baum
Breathing is so natural it doesn’t require us to think about it. However, when we become aware of our breathing and control it, we can achieve amazing results. Let’s dive into the ways in which breathing becomes a pathway between the body and the mind.
Famously, breathing exercises can help us get our anxiety or other emotions under control. They can help us power through pain or lessen it. They can also help us meditate and feel mindful. Controlling your breath is an essential part of many practices meant to improve your well-being and, specifically, your emotional well-being.
Breathing can be seen as a way to bridge the gap between your body and your mind. It is a physical activity that we can easily take control of. And when we do, it can signal to our brain that everything is fine and to calm down.
The body and the brain have two systems. One of them is the “alert” system. It activates when there is a perceived danger and makes our heart beat faster. There are other physical and emotional changes, like feeling anxiety, nausea, stomaches, wanting to run, sweating, and so on.
The other system is the “off switch.” It makes our body relax, slows down our heartbeat, restores digestion, and so on. Changing our breathing is one way to activate this off switch and get the body to calm down, but also impact the mind in a positive way.
Breathing serves to calm your mind because it calms the body and creates a virtuous circle. It is a simple way to reach the anxious part of yourself and connect with it.
