Stress is something we all face, and the causes are often familiar: work demands, family issues, financial strain, and health concerns. But there’s another, often overlooked factor that can significantly contribute to heightened stress levels—your breathing.
In recent years, research in athletic physical therapy has revealed that the way you breathe plays a critical role in your body’s stress response. According to Seth Oberst, DPT, the primary modes of breathing—through the mouth or through the nose—can either exacerbate or help mitigate stress.
Mouth Breathing vs. Nose Breathing: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, it might not seem like a big deal whether you breathe through your mouth or your nose, but the two are far from equal in terms of their impact on your body.
Mouth breathing, which many people subconsciously default to, can actually increase stress levels in several ways:
1. Head Posture and Airway Alignment
When you breathe through your mouth, your head tends to jut forward in an effort to keep your airway open. This seemingly small change in posture initiates a cascade of negative effects that ripple through your entire body. Poor posture can lead to chronic tension in the neck and shoulders, further aggravating stress.
2. Reduced Nitric Oxide Intake
When you breathe through your nose, your body naturally produces and mixes nitric oxide into the air you inhale. This compound helps dilate your blood vessels, allowing for better oxygen circulation and supporting your immune system. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, bypasses this nitric oxide production, forcing you to take in larger quantities of air to compensate—an inefficient process that taxes your system.
3. Over-Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Breathing through the mouth tends to increase activity in the sympathetic nervous system—the part of your body responsible for the “fight or flight” response. This system, when overstimulated, can lead to heightened stress, faster heart rates, and increased muscle tension. Over time, this constant state of over-activation can make it harder to relax, leaving you feeling perpetually on edge.
4. Disrupted Sleep and Restless Nights
You might think that physical or mental exhaustion would automatically lead to a good night’s sleep, but mouth breathing can actually disrupt your ability to rest properly. Because mouth breathing is less efficient at delivering oxygen to the brain, you may find yourself tossing and turning at night, waking up still feeling tired and unrested. This lack of quality sleep further exacerbates stress levels, creating a vicious cycle of fatigue and tension.
The Power of Nose Breathing
In contrast to mouth breathing, nose breathing can have a profoundly calming effect on both your body and mind. The nose acts as a natural filter and humidifier for the air you take in, warming it and removing harmful particles before it reaches your lungs. Nose breathing also activates the **parasympathetic nervous system**—the “rest and digest” system—which helps reduce stress, lower your heart rate, and promote a state of calm.
Moreover, because nasal breathing supports better oxygen exchange and reduces the need for over-breathing, it prevents the shallow, rapid breaths that are often associated with anxiety and panic. Over time, habitual nose breathing can help to lower baseline stress levels and enhance your overall sense of well-being.
How to Shift from Mouth Breathing to Nose Breathing
If you’re accustomed to breathing through your mouth, switching to nose breathing might feel uncomfortable at first. But with practice, you can retrain your body to make nasal breathing your default mode.
Start by dedicating 3–5 minutes a day to intentional nose breathing. Find a quiet space, close your mouth, and focus on taking slow, deep breaths in and out through your nose. You may feel resistance or a bit of difficulty at first, especially if your nasal passages are slightly congested or if you’ve developed the habit of shallow mouth breathing. Stick with it—the goal is to gradually build comfort and strength in your nasal breathing muscles.
The Long-Term Benefits of Nasal Breathing
Incorporating nasal breathing into your daily routine can lead to a host of long-term benefits, including:
– Reduced stress and anxiety
– Improved sleep quality
– Better focus and mental clarity
– Enhanced athletic performance
– Lower blood pressure and heart rate
– Decreased muscle tension and fatigue
Need Help? We’re Here for You
If you’re struggling with stress or want to improve your breathing technique for overall wellness, our experienced athletic physical therapy team in Bethesda and McLean can help. We can work with you to develop personalized breathing exercises and techniques that will not only optimize your breathing but also support your physical and mental health.
Remember, while you can survive by mouth breathing, thriving requires that you breathe with intention. Take control of how you breathe, and in turn, take control of your stress.
