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The Science of Happiness · October 8, 2026 · 24:06

How to Breathe Away Anxiety

Professional surfer and chemistry professor Sarah Gerhardt shares how she uses cyclic sighing to manage everyday anxiety, and Stanford psychologist David Spiegel explains the science behind the technique. The practice involves a double inhale through the nose and a long, slow exhale through the mouth. Research shows that five minutes a day can improve mood and lower respiratory rate by shifting the body's stress response.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Preview

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Cyclic Sighing: A Two-Inhale, Long-Exhale Breathing Pattern
The episode introduces cyclic sighing, a breathing technique that uses a sequence of two inhales through the nose followed by a slow, extended exhale through the mouth.
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The Physiology of Cyclic Sighing: Lowering Respiratory Rate and Improving Mood
Stanford psychologist David Spiegel explains the scientific mechanism by which cyclic sighing influences the body, including a reduction in respiratory rate and a measurable improvement in mood.

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