Every breath you take
When you're at rest, you take 12 to 18 breaths per minute (BPM). Optimal BPM during running or heavy exertion can hit 40 to 60 or more. Studies show that how many BPM you take impacts how you feel physically and emotionally. It's one reason that consistent physical activity eases depression. But the effect of inhaling and exhaling is even more refined than that.
A study in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals your brain waves' shape and oscillation react to changes in the rhythm and supply of oxygen that happen with every breath. And that impacts neural activity involved in cognition, emotion, motivation, pleasure and attention. Previous research even discovered that people do better on a memory test when they learn something new while inhaling rather than exhaling. Guess you're literally taking in the information!
So it's smart to take a deep breath and jump into the many ways you can use breathing to promote anti-aging, tranquility and brain function. Mindful deep-breathing -- 4 seconds in through your nose (let it make your belly extend), 8 seconds out through your open mouth -- clears your mind and eases stress. (It's OK to start with less time.) And you can use the opposite of mindful respiration, energetic breathing, to get revved up. Techniques such as Skull Shining Breath and Lion's Breath use the contrast between steady inhaling through closed lips or your nose and forceful, rapid open-mouth exhaling to flood your brain with oxygen and blood, energizing you. (Google them!) For more help, explore my book, "You: Breathing Easy."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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