Breathe, Exhale and Repeat: What Are the Benefits of Controlled Breathing?

Deep Breathing Brings Many Benefits


A good way to improve your health is to start off the day with deep breathing.

• Controlled breathing is one way to trigger your relaxation response, as it activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn may slow down your heart rate and digestion while helping you feel calm
• Controlled breathing may improve health conditions ranging from insomnia and anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), high blood pressure and depression
• Breathing exercises promoted in yoga, Pilates and meditative methods sometimes focus on taking big, deep breaths through your mouth but breathing through your nose may be more beneficial