The Power of Nasal Breathing: A Simple Tool to Reduce Anxiety

If you struggle with anxiety, you know how difficult it can be to manage the physical and emotional symptoms that come with it. However, there is a simple tool that you can use to help reduce your anxiety: nasal breathing. Nasal breathing is the act of breathing in and out through your nose, rather than your mouth. This simple change in breathing pattern has been shown to have a significant impact on anxiety levels.

One of the main ways that nasal breathing helps to reduce anxiety is by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the system responsible for promoting relaxation and reducing stress in the body. When we breathe through our nose, we stimulate the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the abdomen and is responsible for controlling many bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. This activation of the vagus nerve sends signals to the brain to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps slow down the heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation throughout the body.

Nasal breathing can also regulate carbon dioxide levels in the body, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system. When we breathe through our nose, we naturally slow down our breathing rate and take smaller breaths. This helps regulate carbon dioxide levels in the body, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

In addition to these physiological effects, there is also a psychological component to nasal breathing. Focusing on the breath and practicing slow, deliberate nasal breathing can help shift our attention away from anxious thoughts and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

If you're looking to incorporate nasal breathing into your daily routine to help reduce anxiety, consider starting with a few minutes of deep, slow nasal breathing each day. Sit in a comfortable position and breathe in deeply through your nose, filling your belly with air, and then slowly exhale through your nose. Repeat this pattern for a few minutes and see how it feels for you. You may be surprised at the difference it can make in reducing your anxiety levels. 

Once you've become comfortable with this that's where you can get into mouth taping while you sleep and say hello to Snooze Tape!

Overall, nasal breathing is a simple and effective tool that can help reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. However, it's important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone and should not be used as a replacement for professional treatment for anxiety or other mental health conditions. If you're struggling with anxiety, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional about the best treatment options for you.