Breathing is obviously the most important thigs that we do.  You take air into the lungs and then expel it.  The average person’s breathing is around 12-16 breaths per minute.  All sorts of changes happen in the body  As we breathe, we exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in a rhythmic pattern that can be calming or can add excitement.

Did you know that breathing is very much attached to our emotions?  One of the first discussions I have with people about feeling calm is to notice your breathing.  As you consciously slow your breathing down, take note of the effect that this has on your overall feeling.  Even though breathing is something we do unconsciously try conscious breathing and be mindful of how you feel.

When you witness an event such as a car accident or get a big scare or just in general have high anxiety, about 200 hormones, such as cortisol, shoot through your body.  When in a high state of emotions the amygdala area in your brain works overtime and shuts down other parts of the brain and adds hormones, like adrenaline.  This is so you can run fast (flight)m have lots of focus but only on a bit of information (freeze), have all the energy it is going to take to fight your way out of the situation.  The body is smart in helping with your survival.  Those hormones can take a while to leave your body and breathing is one way to cleanse the body.  But, what if you are always anxious live in an unsafe environment or what if you are in a stress related occupation such as a fireman, police officer, doctor or paramedic.

Two things everyone can do to help themselves are mindful breathing and drink water.  These two practices will help your body operate and reduce the alarm system hormones that get activated such as adrenaline and cortisol.

Have a question?  Just ask me by contacting info@mindhealthconnect.ca