Everything You Need to Know: Physiological Sigh Breath

Welcome,

I'm Carolyn.

I'm happy to share this informative video with you about one of my favorite breath practices,

The physiological sigh.

The physiological sigh was really brought to light and to public awareness thanks to Andrew Huberman.

And his research at Stanford University.

Sometimes the power of the practice itself can get lost in the hype.

So I've got two videos for you to enjoy.

This one now.

Which will cover the actual what,

Why,

How,

When,

And common mistakes of the physiological side,

All the information.

And then make sure to head to the practice video to really experience it.

The power of the practice is everything.

And the physiological sigh is a wonderful,

Quick,

And easy one to incorporate into your life.

So what is the physiological side?

It's just that.

A kind of sighing practice that the body already does naturally throughout the day.

You may notice it after crying.

Or during moments of overwhelm.

Or even right before sleep.

Often it's quite subtle.

And it's one of the body's built-in reset mechanisms.

But this reset can be created more purposefully with the breathing exercise.

So how's it done?

Well the breathing pattern is made up of two inhales through your nose followed by one long slow exhale through your mouth.

The first inhale fills your lungs.

The second inhale is like a top-up breath.

That helps to fully expand your lung sacs called alveoli.

Which may have been partially collapsed during stress or shallow breathing.

And then the long exhale helps to release excess carbon dioxide.

And sends a signal to your nervous system that it's safe to settle.

And this is why it can work so quickly.

Unlike some breathwork practices that take several minutes to shift your state.

The physiological psi,

Directly taps into your autonomic nervous system.

Especially the part responsible for calming and regulation.

Many people notice a difference after just one to three rounds.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is turning this into performance breathing.

They breathe too aggressively,

Too loudly,

Too forcefully.

Which can actually create more tension in your body.

So it's important that your exhale is relaxed and unforced.

Think of releasing breath.

Rather than pushing it out.

It's not about taking the biggest breath possible,

But it's about giving your nervous system a simple,

Efficient signal of safety.

The physiological sigh can be especially helpful during moments of acute stress.

Before a difficult conversation.

When anxiety spikes.

After reading an upsetting email.

While sitting in traffic.

Or really anytime you feel emotionally activated and need a quick reset.

It's not meant to replace deeper healing work.

Or rest,

Therapy,

Or long-term nervous system support.

But it is one of the most accessible tools that we have for creating small interruptions in the stress cycle.

In real time.

Sometimes one conscious breath really can change the next moment.

And if you'd like to try the practice,

Continue to my video titled,

Physiological Psy,

Breathwork for Stress Relief Now.

And let's give it a try together.