December is a hectic time of year. There are presents to buy, parties to attend, work to be finalised, and Christmas to organise. All this extra activity when we are already tired from the year gone by can trigger our body's stress response.
The Fight-or-Flight Response
When we become stressed, our body releases adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare us for action by increasing our heart rate and breathing, and diverting blood away from the digestive system and brain to our muscles so we can fight or run away from the stressor.
Normal vs. Overbreathing
Normal breathing occurs at 10-14 breaths per minute. Overbreathing involves taking breaths that are too big, in a bad pattern (mouth and upper chest breathing), or breathing too rapidly. When we overbreathe, we exhale too much CO2, which can trigger a range of symptoms including:
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Muscle tension
- Tingling sensations
Common Triggers
Overbreathing can be triggered by various factors including stress, low iron levels, colds, hayfever, and menopause.
How We Can Help
At Central Lakes Physio, Allison Aspinall has advanced training in breathing pattern assessment. She can assess your breathing pattern and retrain you to breathe correctly. During a thorough first consultation (approximately one hour), Allison teaches breathing techniques to activate your body's relaxation response, counteracting the fight-or-flight activation.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or would like to learn how to manage stress through better breathing, please book an appointment with us.