The third important exercise in functional breathing is to lower and slow down your breath. Slowing down the breath activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to calm and regulate the body. Most people breathe between 12 and 18 breaths per minute, but the optimal number is between five and six breaths per minute. The exercise involves a slow inhale, slow exhale, and a gentle pause between breaths. The goal is to gradually increase the breath count from four to six. This exercise is beneficial for bringing the body into a coherent state and regulating the heart and brain.
Keywords
functional breathing, lower breath, slow breath, parasympathetic nervous system, chronic stress, optimal breath count, coherent state, regulate heart and brain
Takeaways
Lowering and slowing down the breath activates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps to regulate the body.
The optimal breath count is between five and six breaths per minute.
The exercise involves a slow inhale, slow exhale, and a gentle pause between breaths.
Practicing this exercise for up to five minutes can bring the body into a coherent state and regulate the heart and brain.
Sound Bites
"Lower and slow down your breath."
"The optimal number lies somewhere between five and six breaths per minute."
"Focus on bringing that breath down."
Chapters
00:00 Lowering and Slowing Down the Breath
01:22 Finding the Optimal Breath Count
03:46 Bringing the Body into a Coherent State
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