Anxiety issues are nonetheless among the many most prevalent psychological issues. WHO states that already in 2019, it has influenced 301 million people, or round 1 in 4 people affected by anxiety issues who endure remedy for it. As per the analysis article “Panic Attack–Associated Psychophysiological and Cognitive Mechanisms and the Influence of the Diving Reflex”, anxiety has been defined not solely as a mind-set, but additionally as a bodily and cognitive state that engages the physique’s stress mechanisms, significantly throughout panic assaults.
An elevated state of arousal, participating each your thoughts and physique. It often comes with:
Although there are numerous different numerous methods that people use to relieve their anxiety however this new technique is examined outcomes and this is referred to because the “dive reflex” technique
Anxiety can get your coronary heart pounding, chest constricting and your thoughts racing. In the midst of such conditions, to loosen up turns into nearly inconceivable. However, there is one very robust pure reflex that may help: the mammalian dive reflex. It is your physique’s personal security change and amazingly, it is easy to set off.
The dive reflex is one of many physique’s protecting mechanisms which are triggered when your face is splashed with chilly water once you’re holding your breath. It’s shared by us and different mammals, akin to dolphins and seals. The function of the reflex is to save oxygen and defend important organs from harm when the physique believes it is underwater. But here is the shock: inducing the dive reflex does not solely help in survival when underwater, nevertheless it additionally relaxes your nervous system.
When we’re anxious, our physique responds as if it is truly in peril, though nothing is amiss; our coronary heart begins to thud, respiratory turns into fast and shallow and the whole lot seems extra intense than it already does. The dive reflex has the impact of flipping that change. When your face meets chilly water and you refuse to breathe, your physique will get the message to decelerate. Your heartbeat slows, your breath calms, and inside seconds, you are feeling slightly extra centered. It’s like an in-built emergency brake in your worries.Based on analysis printed in Frontiers in Psychology, 2021, making use of chilly facial immersion and breath holding would alleviate the above signs and soothe the physiological activation of the themes.
Here is what you are able to do at dwelling:Fill a bowl with chilly waterAdd ice if you want. The function is to cool your face as quick as attainable.Hold your breath and submerge your face in itAt first, it would really feel prefer it is inconceivable to breathe, however begin with it gently. Especially masking your brow, eyes, and nostril. Try to maintain your breath for about 15-30 seconds.Lift your face and breatheCome up, breathe usually, and repeat if wanted. Even one spherical can calm your coronary heart charge and thoughts.Disclaimer: this is not an anxiety dysfunction remedy and is not a alternative for medical recommendation. Always get your physician’s approval earlier than adopting any new technique.