Why Is Deep Breathing So Beneficial?
The breath creates harmony as it syncs the mind, body, and soul – joining all facets of your being into a single force. Deep breathing has presented such historical benefits because it relies on one of the most organic substances in the world.
Nature is an unspoiled environment; free from pollution, electromagnetic frequencies, and stress-inducing behaviors. Nature is free. It is peace. The physiological benefits that come from enveloping yourself in such a tranquil space spill over to contribute to your mental and emotional wellness. That is why deep breathing is so beneficial.
The Long-Term Effect of a Deep Breathing Practice
By increasing the frequency of your trips into nature, you’ll begin to witness the long-term benefits of breathing in fresh air. In respect to your mental health, routine deep breathing out in the wild presents lasting stress-relief on your mind and body. Before long, any lingering anxiety you hold will all but disappear.
With your mood improved, you’ll benefit from a clear mind and it’ll eventually become easier for you to focus. Your energy will increase, and you’ll start to develop a positive outlook. You’ll start to see the world differently and become more hopeful. Such magnificent changes – all from breathing in fresh air.
Breathe to Reduce Stress
Scientists measure stress levels by how much of the cortisol hormone is present in your body. Studies show that with as little as 20 minutes in the wild, patients reported cortisol decreases of up to 13%. There were also notable decreases in their heart rates, blood pressure, and sympathetic nerve activity.
When you’re looking for creative inspiration or just the space to boost your mental clarity, make your way to a place where the air is fresh and free. Another study revealed that participants increased their performance by at least 50% after spending a 3-day weekend backpacking through natural trails.
We live in a world that presents constant pressure, whether at home, work, or school – the quality of your air is the answer that can help you regain focus.
The Physical Benefits of Fresh Air
Now, to discuss the physical benefits of deep breathing. Studies show that time in nature can boost your immune system, regulate your blood pressure, and drastically restore your sleep quality. About 10 years ago, a study was conducted to record the way time in the forest interacted with the natural killer (NK) cells in the body; the cells that help strengthen the immune system to fight off viral infections. Normally, NK is quick to react to cells infected with virus or to the formation of tumors, which means they help boost immunity defense and can potentially ward of cancer. The results showed that, after 2 hours of walking in the outdoors, NK cell count went through the roof for every participant in the study!
While researchers refuse to release an official word, these results have been supported by numerous studies over the years. The evidence is clear – breathing in fresh air helps promote internal wellness. Beginning with immediate improvements in your sleep and immune defenses, we advance to more complex physical benefits that are too numerous to count. With over 40,000 cataloged terpenes found in nature, oxygen therapy can help you with everything from inflammation relief to alleviating pain, increased range of motion to many more restorative benefits.
Who Needs to Add Deep Breathing to Their Routine?
These results can apply to any- and everyone, but there are a few demographics we’d definitely encourage to give the practice of taking deep, cleansing breaths a try. Below, we’ll list a few lifestyle descriptions and, if any of them apply to your situation, then we’d suggest you start finding time to practice deep breathing in nature:
- Those living a highly stressful, stationary life with limited physical activity and many restless nights.
- Those who extreme fatigue and frequent illness, or struggling to cope with medical diagnosis.
- Those with limited focus, difficulty mustering the energy to complete tasks, and lacking creative ability.
- Those experiencing stress, anxiety, and dramatic emotional shifts that frequently take control of your daily decisions.
- Those born into a family with a history of cardiac disease and other heart-related illnesses.
- Those lacking motivation and excessively frustrated with yourself or others.
- Those struggling to find joy and happiness, no matter how hard you try to look for positives in your situation.
If you fit into any of the categories mentioned above, or even if you don’t, it’s never too late to begin a deep breathing regimine and start working on healing yourself. With each session, you’ll learn to stop beginning a new day with yesterday’s trials and tribulations at the forefront of your mind. Deep breathing practices help you relax, so you can free yourself from emotional isolation and physical bonds.
AIR by ZENSE can help you bring peace to troubling situations and give you the clarity you need to start tomorrow with a fresh, new perspective.