When you take a deep breath, it triggers the vagus nervous system in the body. The vagus nerve runs from the brainstem to the abdomen and is a main component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” activities. Triggering your parasympathetic nervous system helps you start to calm down. You feel better, and your ability to think rationally returns.
Deep breathing will be most beneficial if you treat it as a daily practice. It can help in the moment — patients who are anxious lower their blood pressure and heart rate significantly with just a minute of deep breathing. However, you will have the most benefit if you practice regularly. This will help your body recognize what you are doing and be more responsive.
-Yufang Lin, MD
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