How quickly does the Physiological Sigh work?

Most people feel calmer within 30-60 seconds. Some notice effects after just one cycle.

How is this different from regular deep breathing?

The double inhale is key - it re-inflates collapsed air sacs in your lungs (alveoli) that regular breathing misses, dramatically increasing oxygen intake and CO2 offload.

Can I do too many physiological sighs?

No, you can do as many as needed. However, 1-3 cycles is usually sufficient to reduce acute stress.

Why do I need to do two inhales instead of one?

The first inhale fills your lungs, but the second quick inhale maximally inflates collapsed alveoli, which significantly increases the surface area for gas exchange.

Is this safe during pregnancy?

Yes, the Physiological Sigh is safe for most people, including during pregnancy. However, if you feel dizzy, stop and breathe normally.

Quick Answer

The Physiological Sigh is a rapid stress-relief technique where you take two quick inhales through your nose followed by a long exhale through your mouth. This pattern reduces stress in real-time by re-inflating lung alveoli and activating your parasympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate within seconds.

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Physiological Sigh

A rapid stress-relief technique using double inhales followed by extended exhale to quickly calm the nervous system

Level: beginner⚡ Works in: 30-60 seconds🕐 1.1 min

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When to Use Physiological Sigh

✓During panic attacks or acute anxiety
✓Before important meetings or presentations
✓When feeling overwhelmed at work
✓After receiving stressful news
✓During arguments or tense conversations
✓Anytime you need immediate calm

Benefits

●Reduces stress and anxiety in 30-60 seconds
●Lowers heart rate and blood pressure immediately
●Can be done anywhere, anytime
●No equipment or preparation needed
●Scientifically validated by Stanford researchers
●Increases oxygen intake by re-inflating lung alveoli

Instructions

1Sit or stand comfortably
2Take a deep inhale through your nose
3At the top of that breath, take a second quick inhale through your nose to maximally inflate the lungs
4Slowly exhale all the air through your mouth
5Repeat 3-5 times continuously
6Can be used anytime you feel stressed or anxious

Tips for Best Results

💡The key is the double inhale - make sure the second one is sharp and quick
💡Make the exhale as long as possible through your mouth
💡Can be done with eyes open or closed
💡Works even better if done 2-3 times in a row
💡Use whenever you notice your stress rising
💡Practice when calm so it becomes automatic during stress

Real-Time Visual Guidance

Real-time guidance through each step of this practice

inhale

exhale

rest

The Science Behind This Practice

Discovered by physiologists in the 1930s and popularized by Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, the physiological sigh is the fastest way to reduce stress in real-time. The double inhale re-inflates collapsed alveoli in the lungs, increasing oxygen intake, while the extended exhale activates the parasympathetic nervous system and rapidly lowers heart rate and arousal.

Research Evidence:

Fastest known method to reduce real-time stress and anxiety

Stanford University Huberman Lab, 2022

Reduces heart rate variability and arousal within 60 seconds

Journal of Neurophysiology, 2021

Re-inflates collapsed alveoli, increasing lung capacity by up to 15%

Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology, 2020

Important Safety Information

⚠️If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, stop and breathe normally
⚠️Some people may experience tingling - this is normal but stop if uncomfortable
⚠️Not a replacement for medical treatment of anxiety disorders

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