INHALE THE FACTS DEEP BREATHING IS YOUR SCIENTIFIC SHORTCUT TO STRESS RELIEF
When you feel angry or stressed out, a few deep breaths can be more powerful than they seem. That inhale is like a reset button for your body, sending signals to your nervous system, slowing your heart rate, and quieting the mental storm. Deep breathing isn’t just hot air; it’s scientifically proven to be one of the simplest hacks for calming the mind and body. Inhale deeply, and let’s explore what happens internally when you breathe back to balance. Most of the time, you don’t think about breathing; your body naturally handles this task as you go about your day. But when you control your breath, you trigger a rest and digest mode that slows your heart rate and sends more blood to your gut to help digestion. The brain manages breathing and heart rate in the same parts of the brain, and they work together. With each breath you take, your lungs expand and the pressure on your heart and blood vessels shifts. This rhythm directly links how you breathe and how calm or alert you feel. The
slower and more relaxed your breath is, the less your internal systems are gearing up for a battle.
Deep breathing reduces stress and triggers your blood pressure and nervous system to relax. It doesn’t just change your mental state; it can also ease minor physical pain, such as headaches or an upset stomach. Pain stresses your body out, so easing your aches will help your parasympathetic nervous system take the reins and focus on recovery rather than alertness. To get the full benefits from this mindfulness technique, sit upright and take a slow, deep inhale through your nose. Place one hand on your belly and one on your chest to feel your rib cage expand and your belly rise as the lungs fill. Keep this up until you feel a wave of calm come over you. So, next time you’re feeling on edge, inhale and see why, sometimes, the simplest science is a breath of fresh air.
Get to Know Dr. Kody Boles
Dr. Kody Boles, PT, DPT, graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Eastern Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in human physiology from Gonzaga University. His extensive education provided him with a strong skill set, including evaluation and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries and future injury prevention, utilizing techniques such as myofascial mobilization, active pin and stretch, strength and conditioning, trigger point release, barbell training, return-to-run, and return-to-sport exercise-based interventions. Kody has experience in a wide variety of patient populations, including active adults looking to return to exercise or improve their quality of life, athletes, adolescents, active and retired military, post-surgical patients, triathletes, and runners. When not at work, Dr. Boles is passionate about playing recreational soccer and enjoys training via weightlifting and running whenever he can. He is dedicated to empowering, educating, and providing unparalleled care to patients of all ages and abilities. He believes everyone is capable, robust, and resilient beyond measure. Dr. Boles’ ultimate goal is to walk alongside you to assist your ability to achieve the life you want!
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