The Power of Breathing: Lowering your Blood Pressure

The Power of Breathing: Lowering your Blood Pressure

Recently, I went for my annual check up and naturally, I had to get my blood pressure measured. It had been a hectic day for me, and like many moms during the Christmas season, I had been extremely busy running several errands. As the nurse started to measure my blood pressure, I got anxious worrying about how my busy day could potentially affect my results. Well it did. My BP was 134/84, which is slightly above the normal range. I expressed to the nurse that I felt nervous during the test and would like to take some deep breaths and try again. He allowed me to take a moment, and I began taking deep breaths and visualizing myself taking a peaceful walk at the beach. She then took my blood pressure again, and my new numbers? 116/78, in the healthy range! The nurse looked at me and said, “dropping your blood pressure can be that easy! You just need to take time to relax.” He then continued to tell me that my new blood pressure numbers were the lowest he had seen all day.

Deep breathing triggers the body’s relaxation response and is a powerful healing tool both emotionally and physically. Plus, the best part is, it’s free! Physiologically, it can lower heart rate, stress hormones and blood pressure. Psychologically, it can improve mood, sleep and concentration.

If you suffer from chronic stress or high blood pressure, try to make time in your day to take deep breaths, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. You’ll be surprised how much this could contribute to your emotional and physical health over time.

Bebe Wilkinson is a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Coach and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach.  She specializes in helping midlife women age gracefully and live abundantly using Lifestyle Medicine. Curious how you could benefit from lifestyle medicine? Take this quiz followed by a 30 mins free review session, to get you started feeling and looking your best.