Slow, deep breaths tell your brain you are safe. Extending your exhale is particularly effective at activating the vagus nerve and down-regulating the threat response.
Gradually facing what triggers you teaches the amygdala that these situations are not life-threatening. Slow, deep breaths tell your brain you are safe
The amygdala is the brain's "alarm system" that triggers fight-or-flight responses. Slow, deep breaths tell your brain you are safe