Science Vs
Breathwork: A Bunch of Hot Air?
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Breathing exercises have been found to have positive effects on mental health, reducing anxiety and improving cognitive function.
- Nasal breathing has several benefits such as filtering pathogens, reducing irritation, and potentially enhancing memory formation.
Deep dives
Breathing exercises for improved mental health
Breathing exercises have been found to have positive effects on mental health. A study conducted by Stanford psychiatry professor David Spiegel and his team found that just five minutes of daily breathing exercises helped participants feel better and less anxious. The study compared different breathing techniques and found that exhaling longer than inhaling, known as cyclic sighing, was particularly effective at reducing anxiety. Other studies have also shown that breathing exercises can reduce stress levels and improve cognitive function. The practice of slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. These findings suggest that breathing exercises can be a simple and accessible tool for managing mental health.
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