TITLE

Why Deep Breathing Is the Fastest Way to Calm You Down

DESCRIPTION

This is a fascinating article that combines simple meditative techniques (breathing) and examines how this biological function interacts with psychological function (anxiety).  “Now scientists describe why deep breathing, including the breath-focus of meditation, can induce such calm and tranquility. In a paper published in Science, researchers led by Mark Krasnow, a professor of biochemistry at Stanford University, found that in mice, a group of nerves in the brain that regulates breathing has a direct connection to the arousal center of the brain. In other words, breathing can have a direct effect on the overall activity level of the brain.”

This is a good read for students studying the text chapters on Health Psychology, Positive Psychology, and alternative treatments for anxiety.  This is an especially good article for students anxious about the current problems with covid-19.

SOURCE

Time, March 30, 2017, by Alice Park

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://time.com/4718723/deep-breathing-meditation-calm-anxiety/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=time-health&utm_content=20200402

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/ru3ngl6

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•First, what is anxiety?  What are the symptoms?

•How does deep breathing reduce anxiety?

•What are the physiological mechanisms involved in the interaction of deep breathing and reducing anxiety?

TAGS

Meditation, Deep Breathing, Calming Anxiety, Meditation as a Coping Tool, Meditation and Physiology