Deep Breathing Benefits

Deep breathing reduces stress. It increases oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts stress and promotes a state of calmness. Deep breathing relaxes you and has been proven to affect the heart, brain, immune system, digestion and even gene expression. It slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure and relaxes muscles.

Try the 4-7-8 breathing method, which may help youfall asleep. Place your tongue on the ridge of your gums behind your upper front teeth. Inhale through your nose for a count of 4, hold your breath for 7 counts, and exhale through your mouth with a whoosh sound for a count of 8. Repeat 4 to 6 times.