The Power of Sighing

We've all experienced those moments when we let out a deep sigh, a momentary relief from the stress and anxiety that's built up within us. But what if there was a way to harness that relief and experience it throughout the day? That's where breathwork comes in. In a recent clinical trial conducted by the Dr. Huberman's Stanford Medical Center, different brief protocols involving deliberate breathwork or mindfulness meditation were compared. The results were fascinating and showed that a simple five-minute breathwork technique could significantly reduce stress and enhance mood throughout the day.

Cyclic Physiological Sighing (the full technical name) can be done any time of day or night, participants reported feeling calmer and more focused after practicing the technique. The study also found that the benefits of the breathing protocol lasted for up to 24 hours, making it a practical and effective tool for managing stress throughout the day.

The 5-minute breathing protocol involves taking five deep breaths, followed by a long exhale. This is repeated for a total of five rounds. The protocol can be done in any position, but sitting with good posture is recommended.

The benefits of the breathing protocol go beyond just reducing stress and improving mood. Breathwork has also been shown to improve lung function, increase circulation, boost immunity, and improve overall physical and mental health.

Incorporating a daily breathwork practice can be a simple yet powerful tool for managing stress and improving overall health and wellbeing. Give this 5-minute breathing protocol a try and see how it can transform your day.

Sources: Huberman Labs, Stanford Universty Medical Center