Can Nasal Breathing Decrease Stress?

Nasal breathing is an often overlooked aspect of managing stress, yet it plays a crucial role in helping to reduce tension and anxiety. When we breathe through our nose, the air is filtered and warmed, which helps to humidify and moisten the air we inhale. This not only helps to prevent dryness in the nasal passages, but it also helps to reduce the amount of pollutants and irritants that we inhale.

Additionally, nasal breathing helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for slowing down the heart rate and relaxing the body. When we breathe through our nose, the air travels through a smaller passage which creates resistance, this resistance causes a natural slowing down of the breath which in turn helps to slow down the heart rate and relax the body.

Furthermore, nasal breathing also helps to improve oxygenation in the body. When we breathe through our nose, the air is forced to travel through a smaller passage, which helps to increase the amount of oxygen that is taken in with each breath. This increased oxygenation can help to improve cognitive function and boost energy levels, which can be especially beneficial during times of stress.

In contrast, when we breathe through our mouth, the air is not filtered or warmed, and it does not activate the parasympathetic nervous system or improve oxygenation as effectively. Mouth breathing also tends to be shallow and fast, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and tension.

Therefore, it is important to make a conscious effort to breathe through the nose, especially during times of stress. This can be achieved through practices such as using Snooze Tape while you sleep to get your body used to it, yoga, meditation, or simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on nasal breathing and slow down the breath.

In conclusion, nasal breathing is an essential tool for managing stress and anxiety. It helps to filter and warm the air we inhale, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, improve oxygenation in the body, and slow down the breath. By making a conscious effort to breathe through the nose, we can improve our overall well-being and manage stress more effectively.