CITED CLIPS
Breathing for Stress Relief
Discover the power of the physiological sigh—a breathing technique that can rapidly lower stress levels by offloading carbon dioxide. This method, which mimics natural patterns seen in deep sleep and even in dogs, can be consciously practiced anytime. Emphasizing longer exhales over inhales not only calms the heart but also enhances heart rate variability, providing a simple yet effective tool for managing stress in daily life.In this clip
From this podcast
Tim Ferriss Show
Optimize Sleep, Enhance Performance, and More | Dr. Andrew Huberman
Related Questions
Is this correct: The physiological sigh is a natural breathing pattern that occurs in humans and animals to regulate stress and enhance calmness. It involves taking a deep inhale, followed by a brief second inhale (through the nose), and then a long exhale (preferably through the mouth). This double inhale inflates the alveoli, tiny sacs in the lungs, ensuring they remain open (they deflate when we are stressed) and can rebalance the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body?
In plain language, why does the physiological sigh work?
The physiological sigh helps rebalance the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. During stress, there is a buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2), and the sigh helps to eliminate this excess CO2. It also inflates the sacs in the lungs that may deflate during stress, allowing for better oxygen uptake. Additionally, the physiological sigh activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which acts like a brake, promoting relaxation and reducing the body’s stress response.