219: Breathing for Relaxation - The Science of Meditation

" Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky.  Conscious breathing is my anchor" - Thich Nhat Hanh

There are many directives for stress relief that seem cliche.  If you are feeling anxious or stressed you often hear people say to take a deep breath.  In your head you're thinking,

"Yeah, like a deep breath is going to do anything to stop me from freaking out."

The truth is, it will.  It is backed my science and medical study.  Breathing creates a relaxation response in the body. 

This week I am going to give you a deeper look at the elements of meditation from a scientific standpoint, not strictly a metaphysical one.

Listen to this episode and all others below

Topics Discussed in this Episode

  • The role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems as they relate to stress.
  • The fight or flight response
  • The function of the Adrenal glands
  • The difference between diaphragmatic breathing and chest breathing
  • Exercises in the instruction of diaphragmatic breathing

Resources

Question of the Day

Is there a time of day each day when you could practice relaxation breathing?

Action of the Day

Practice one of the methods of focused breathing listed in the resources above

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Thom WaltersComment