Breathe Happy and How Breathing Influences Emotions

One of our most basic needs as human beings is breathing. This may sound like an obvious statement, but to anyone who has suffered from an anxiety attack or asthma, they know in that moment all you can think about is breathing. In day-to-day life, to most people the imbalance in our breathing pattern may be less pronounced, but still affects us all the same.  Breathing impacts cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, lymph, immune, digestive, and of course, respiratory systems. It's easy to forget about our automatic systems, but in just the action of thinking about breathing we have the ability to control it. By being able to control our breathing patterns, we can use this to help control mood.

Take a deep breath - Inhale for three seconds, hold it for three, and exhale for three. Repeat this for a minute. How do you feel? This basic pattern of deep breathing will leave you feeling relaxed while having a sense of clarity. This is balanced breathing; and equal inhalation and exhalation.

Now think about a time you were anxious or angry. Has your pattern of breathing changed? Anxiety in particular, causes most people to take in more oxygen, but not release as much carbon dioxide, resulting in sweaty palms, elevated heart rate and a toll on your immune system. How about when you are happy and laughing; how is your breathing? When you are laughing your body gulps in the air and helps raise the endorphin levels in your brain and increases the feelings of happiness.

What does all of this mean? A groundbreaking study (Respiratory feedback in the generation of emotion) in 2010 found evidence that while emotion can influence breathing patterns, the reverse can also be true. This means that if you are in a funk, feeling stressed, angry, or unfocused, - try controlled deep breathing.

Meditation and deep breathing go hand-in-hand. Honestly, for someone just starting out with deep breathing exercises, they might find a guided meditation to be helpful. There are several available on YouTube and audiobooks are also a good resource. One of my favorites is 'Meditations to Change Your Brain'. This book helped me in dealing with anxiety.
'Meditations to Change Your Brain' - Audible.com

Read More:

Breathing Exercises to Uplift Your Mood
The Art and Science of Breathing
Diaphragmatic Breathing and Health