Conscious breathing: benefits and how to practice it to reduce stress

Conscious breathing: benefits and how to practice it to reduce stress


Technique present in meditation, it can help the process of concentration and relaxation at any time of the day




Breathing is an essential process that occurs automatically, however, unlike most body functions, the ability to control it makes it a real well-being tool, helping to improve deal with moments of stress and anxiety; better understand how to practice conscious breathing.

When emotionally shaken, a person tends to show some signs of this discomfort, such as panting, shortened and accelerated by the momentary discomfort that makes breathing shallow and concentrated in the upper chest.

This discomfort usually generates other consequences, such as muscle tension and increased heart rate, therefore, breathe consciously It is one of the first alternatives to restore emotional control and well-being.

What is conscious breathing?

Breathing is an involuntary action, that is, you don’t need willpower to inhale and exhale, the organism itself provides the function. However, it is possible to take control of it and make it a voluntary action, for example deciding the rhythm and depth with which to breathe.

In search of relaxation and concentration, meditators associate the practice with conscious breathing exercisessometimes simply by paying more attention to how it happens, other times by changing the dynamics.

Why can breathing help you relax?

The relationship between breathing and the nervous system is complex, as one influences the other. While the “sympathetic division” of the autonomic nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response, which speeds up breathing to deliver more oxygen to the body, the “sympathetic division” promotes the opposite reaction, a feeling of relaxation that helps slow breathing.

Benefits of conscious breathing and how to practice it

Taking a few minutes to simply take a deep breath can be essential to regain control, put emotions aside and act rationally, which is why conscious breathing can be adopted at different times of the day as a physical, emotional and mental healing action . promoting:

  1. Reduction of stress and anxiety
  2. Concentration
  3. Physical and mental well-being

There are several breathing techniques to promote relaxation, such as diaphragmatic breathing and 4-7-8 breathing, which consists of a specific cadence of inhaling and exhaling.

Read also: 4 breathing techniques to relax body and mind.

5 tips to practice every day

  • Find a quiet place
  • Close your eyes to avoid distractions
  • Get into a comfortable position
  • Concentrate on your breathing
  • Exercise regularly


Breathing: a selection of meditations and breathing exercises.  Now available on the Atma app

Meditation and breathing

In April Atma brings with it a new collection that unites guided meditation and breathing exercises. The contents are narrated by Satyanatha, Brazilian monk who lived for seven years in a Hawaiian monastery. Also enjoy the special event with selected meditations; only available this month.

Breathing journey. Have fun now!



New meditations focused on conscious breathing have arrived in Atma

Source: Terra

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