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Can Better Breathing Really Improve Your Health?

Here’s what experts say about the immediate and long-term health benefits of breathwork—and how to get started, from stimulating your vagus nerve to... nose breathing?

Corrie Evanoff

Read when you’ve got time to spare.

Dive deep into the science of using your diaphragm more effectively, from the popular 4-7-8 method (it works!) to the strength training that might ward off Alzheimer’s disease.

Image by SrdjanPav/Getty Images

2023 Was the Year of Breathing Through Our Noses

How mouth breathing became wellness enemy number one.

The Vital Crosstalk Between Breath and Brain

The rhythm of respiration influences a wide range of behaviors, as well as cognition and emotion. Neuroscientists are piecing together how it all works.

Strength Training for the Lungs: Why Heavy Breathing Could Be a Shortcut to Improving Your Health

Investigating whether you need to strengthen the muscles you breathe with.

Can You Breathe Your Way to Health, Happiness and a Psychedelic Trip?

A look at breathwork, the ancient practice beloved by Olympians, models, and hundreds of people on Zoom.

Can Slow Breathing Guard Against Alzheimer’s?

There are believed to be many benefits to slow, controlled breathing. Researchers may have found another – a surprising protection against Alzheimer's.

How to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve to De-Stress and Find Calm

The vagus nerve halts stress and regulates emotions. Here’s how to get it in tip-top shape.

Power Your Run With Better Breathing

If you’re not using your diaphragm efficiently, you’re not getting the most out of your workout, experts say.

Can 4-7-8 Breathing Really Help You Fall Asleep Faster?

Short answer: Yes. And that’s not the only benefit of this simple technique.

These 10 Breathing Exercises Can Help You Feel Calmer Right Now

In case you need to take a breather.

BONUS READ: I Took an Intense Breathing Workshop—and It Totally Changed My Mood via Domino.

Beat Stress, Get to Sleep and Find Your Focus: Seven Ways Better Breathing Can Improve Your Life

We do it 20,000 times a day but the way we breathe in different scenarios can have a big impact. From tongue position to finding your D-spot, experts share breathwork techniques.

BONUS READ: The Cure for Hiccups Exists

And it’s free.

Want More Wellness? Check Out 12 Stories About the Science of Anxiety

A deep dive into how and why we experience anxiety—as well as science-backed ways to ease the burden.