Deep breathing serves more than just calming you when you are under pressure or stressed. There are many benefits of deep breathing. Inhaling through your nose, holding the breath, and slowly exhale through your mouth. There are many formulas for deep breathing exercises. A common exercise is to breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 4 seconds, and breathe out through your mouth for 4 seconds. Deep breathing provides your brain with an extra shot of oxygen. Continuing this exercise 5 to 10 times can actually lower your blood pressure. Higher blood pressure numbers from anxiety or stress can easily be reversed through deep breathing. If your high blood pressure is chronic you will need to make some lifestyle changes and possibly start a medication. Research the side effects of any medication do not just agree to take the first medication your doctor prescribes. Also be sure to pay close attention to your body once you start a medication.
Resources:
Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School
Relaxation Techniques: Breath Control Errant Stress Response, July 6, 2020
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/relaxation-techniques-breath-control-helps-quell-errant-stress-response
Last viewed: 20231115
Cleveland Clinic
Diaphragmatic Breathing, Last Reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on March 3, 2022
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing
Last viewed: 20231115