Why Do We Sigh?  We all must have sighed in moments of stress or sadness. Often when we are very stressed, you must have noticed that we sigh. Even though this reaction comes out unconsciously, but do you know that it helps to relax your body. Yes, sighing is not just an emotional reaction, but can also be a powerful technique, which can help in improving our physical and mental health?

The science of sighing

According to a research by Stanford University, when we are stressed, we breathe faster and less deeply. This shrinks the air sacs in our lungs and increases the level of carbon dioxide. This condition sends a signal of uneasiness to our brain.

On the other hand, when we sigh, these sacs expand, increasing the amount of oxygen. Deep breathing also regulates the heartbeat. This research suggests that this method of breathing may be more effective than other techniques such as mindfulness for increasing positivity and mental health.

Artificial Sigh - A Special Technique

Simulated sighing is also a deep breathing technique, but in this the breath is taken in two parts. This technique has a positive effect on vital organs like lungs, brain and heart. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system which relaxes our body.

How to sigh?

• Take a deep breath through the nose.
• When you finish breathing, pause for a while and then breathe more.
• Slowly exhale this breath through the mouth.

benefits of sighing

• Reducing stress – Deep breathing signals the brain that the danger has passed and anxiety has decreased.
• Controlling the heartbeat- It makes the heartbeat normal.
• Reducing cortisol levels- The level of cortisol, the stress hormone, is reduced.
• Reducing anxiety- It helps in reducing anxiety .
• Relaxing the body- It relaxes the body.
• Controlling emotions- It helps in controlling emotions.