“Just breathe”—a common piece of advice that seems almost too simple to be a remedy for the racing heart and spiraling thoughts of anxiety. Yet emerging research is beginning to uncover a profound link between the way that we breathe and our mental health.
The Science of Breathing and Anxiety
Consider a scenario where, despite using medication, altering your diet, and maintaining a positive outlook, anxiety persists because a crucial element—your breathing—hasn’t been addressed. It’s a viewpoint that author and journalist James Nestor holds dearly in his book “Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art.” He spent 10 years with experts—scientists, doctors, yogis, and breathwork practitioners—to explore the profound effect of breathing practices on health; it positioned them as a key tool for managing anxiety....
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