When stress hits, our default reaction is often to tell ourselves to "just calm down."But forcing yourself to think your way through being extremely worked up is never going to happen. So here comes the physiological answer to acute stress and anxiety – and it's right in front of your nose.
It's called the "Physiological Sigh," which is nothing more than a breath trick that can be used as an on-the-spot reset for your autonomic functions.
To do a physiological sigh, you simply take two fast breaths through your nose, then hold one long breath through your mouth.
Here is how it works on a physiological level:
Re-inflation of Lungs: The second inhalation quickly opens the collapsed air sacs in your lungs and optimizes oxygen intake.
Heart Rate Deceleration: The extended exhalation activates the vagus nerve, telling your nervous system to slow down your heart rate.
And by doing this two times, you switch your whole body from fight or flight mode to normal mode. It's a stunning illustration of how our biology has answers for modern-day problems.
Have you ever tried using this breathing exercise for acute stress?
