Breathe

Want to improve your HRV and your cognitive function?  Try breathing.

I know it sounds like a joke.  In fact, it is a joke my kids’ grandma used to tell my kids (How do you avoid dying?  Keep breathing!)  (They might be genetically inclined to dark humor.)

 

However, The People Who Do Research say it works, at least in this study.

 

The takeaway from the study, in my opinion, is that it would probably be good for us if we spent some time breathing at a rate of about six breaths per minute.  There are tons of breathing apps out there that can measure that for us.  In the study, the participants spent 20 minutes doing it in the morning before caffeine.  (I know that last bit might be a deal-breaker for some of us, but maybe it’s worth a try?)

 

Worst case?  We have relaxed for a bit.  No down side.