For centuries, researchers have investigated possible links between breathing and stress. We’re often not aware of our own breathing. It seems so … automatic. Yet mastering your breathing can have several positive effects on our bodies.
We all know that slow, controlled breathing helps calm us and reduce stress. This is because there’s an area in the brain that creates a link between breathing and a person’s behavior. For example, according to the article “Proper Breathing Brings Better Health” published in Scientific American, patients with breathing difficulties are more likely to suffer from generalized anxiety disorder.
How does stress impact your breathing?
When a person is stressed or anxious, the body secretes norepinephrine. It’s responsible for the negative effects caused by stress, such as a faster heartbeat, increased blood pressure and slower digestion. At times of stress or tension, people tend to breathe more from the top of the rib cage. Breaths are therefore shorter and shallower. Taking deep breaths with the abdomen reduces the level of norepinephrine in the system and thus reduces stress and anxiety.
How to breathe mindfully?
It is important to breathe with your diaphragm to fill your lungs to the maximum and to breathe efficiently. When breathing well, the belly expands, and so does the diaphragm, located approximately from the sternum to the last rib, which descends a little to allow the lungs to fill up completely. Funnily enough, every relaxation technique relies somewhat on breathing, and adding mindful breathing to your AlphaBeats routine can only improve it.
How does AlphaBeats complement mindful breathing?
We all lead super busy lives, and if you don’t have much time to spare, 10 minutes of mindful breathing a day might not be enough to control your stress levels. And here is where AlphaBeats comes in. You can combine mindful breathing with AlphaBeats to establish the new routine for well-being you’ve been looking for.
How so?
While you’re listening to your favorite tunes, we apply a gentle audio layer that constantly responds to both the music you are listening to and the biofeedback signals we’re measuring (such as breathing and heart-rate patterns). In just 10 minutes a day, this process trains your body and brain to relax and slide into the alpha-state, also known as the state of wakeful rest.
The best part is that all you have to do is listen to your favorite music, which you’re probably already doing. During those 10 minutes, remember to breathe mindfully in order to reap all the benefits AlphaBeats has to offer.
If you own an Apple Watch or EliteHRV CorSense device, that’s great. You can pair this to conduct the measurements. If not, no worries! AlphaBeats was specifically designed to work with just your phone.
The good news doesn’t stop here! AlphaBeats is free to download for a limited time.
The AlphaBeats app is designed to help you track your progress, keep your routine going, and help you find your inner alpha each day, every day. All you need is a pair of headphones/earbuds, ten minutes of time for yourself and a Spotify premium account.
Also read: Integrate Music to your daily routine
Your homework:
👉 Incorporate mindful breathing into your daily routine. You can combine efforts and practice mindful breathing while using AlphaBeats.
👉 Take just 10 minutes each day for yourself and use the AlphaBeats app to train your brain and your body to relax.