Cyclic sighing, also known as physiological sigh or double inhale, can be a great way to help relieve stress and anxiety.
A research study by Stanford Medicine put people into four groups and asked them to practice mindful meditation, or one breathing exercise: box breathing, cyclic hyperventilation or cyclic sighing, for five minutes a day for 28 days. The study found that even though they all helped, cyclic sighing has the most impact.
The breathing techniques help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for resting and digesting, so heart rate slows, blood pressure drops, and digestion is improved, which helps the body and mind relax.
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