Mmastodon HealthMental Health first seen 5 h ago, last 4 h ago, peak #4
The long exhale that calms the nervous system
Original: The long exhale is what actually pulls the brake. You'll feel it land behind the sternum, a half-inch drop, unmistakable
A breathing tip is circulating online: the long exhale, not the inhale, is what slows the body's stress response. Writers describe a physical drop behind the sternum when it lands, and suggest resting a hand on the heart while breathing so the body 'has a witness'. The advice also asks people to notice tension in the jaw. It is being shared as a simple, do-it-anywhere self-soothing technique.
Why now: People are sharing a quick, accessible technique for calming anxiety that they find physically noticeable and easy to try.
Evidence
- The long exhale is what actually pulls the brake. You'll feel it land behind the sternum, a half-inch drop, unmistakable. Cuir do làmh air do chridhe — put your hand on your heart. Do it while you breathe, so the body has a witness. Your jaw is doing something right now. Check.… · wendythedruid@thistlenfern.org · 3
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