3 Deep Breathing Exercises to Reduce Anxiety

By THERESE J. BORCHARD 
Associate Editor of Psych Central

Deep breathing has become increasingly important in my recovery from depression andanxiety because I recognize that shallow breath contributes to mypanic. In fact, at my worst hours, I would use a paper bag to keep from hyperventilating.

The practice of deep breathing stimulates our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), responsible for activities that occur when our body is at rest. It functions in an opposite manner to the sympathetic nervous system, which stimulates activities associated with the fight-or-flight response.

I like to the think of the PNS as the calm sister and the sympathetic nervous system as the non-sympathetic crazy sister on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

[read the rest of the story at Psychcentral.com here]