Topic Collection

Breathing & the Brain

How breathing patterns shape cognition, creativity, memory, focus, and the brain's electrical rhythms.

Breathing and brain function are more tightly coupled than most people realize. Respiratory rhythm entrains neural oscillations, modulates the amygdala, and drives cerebrospinal fluid flow. Practical upshots: nasal breathing sharpens memory, slow breathing reduces fear responses, and even a few deep breaths can shift you into a more focused state. These articles trace the research.

Articles in this collection

Breathing & the Brain

25 articles — pillar posts listed first, then newsletter editions.

How Breathing Helps the Brain: CSF and Better Retention of Motor Skills

Reading Time: 1 min 54 sec I hope the next 23’ish breaths are the most nourishing of your day.

Breath is Mind: 25 Quotes on the Breath-Mind Connection

Twenty-five thinkers — from Thich Nhat Hanh to William James — on why the breath and mind are inseparable.

Brain Syncing Study, Mind Rhythms, and Being Inspired by Spirit

Reading Time: 1 min 56 sec I hope the next 23’ish breaths are the most nourishing of your day.

Brain Blood Flow, Humming Bee Breathing, and an Unhurried Life

Reading Time: 1 min 58 sec I hope the next 24’ish breaths are the most nourishing of your day.

New Breath-Brain Study, Coffee Jokes, and How to Induce Creativity

Reading Time: 1 min 51 sec I hope the next 22-ish breaths are the most nourishing of your day.

How Breathing Boosts Creativity, Why We Sigh, and Where Rumi’s Soul Lives

Let’s jump straight in… 4 Thoughts 1.

Nasal Breathing & Brain, How to Feel Relaxed, and the Creative Act

Reading Time: 1 min 34 sec — I hope the next 19-ish breaths are the most nourishing of your day.

25 Thoughtful Quotes on Breath & Mind, and How to Make Meditation Fun

g 🎧 If you enjoy listening, you can subscribe to the audio version on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , and Audible so you don’t even have to look at the email 😊 Get this in your inbox every Monday at 6:30 a.

5 Breaths for Focus, Better Sleep, and Your Own Finely Crafted Program

m. Eastern. Email Address Sign Up We respect your privacy. Thank you! 4 Thoughts 1.

How to Concentrate Better, Meditation & Brain, and This Is Never Selfish

Reading Time: 1 min 57 sec I hope the next 23’ish breaths are the most nourishing of your day.

Better Learning, Life's Lifeline, and How We Breathe is Who We Are

How We Breathe is Who We Are “Breathing is about much more than simple gas exchange or even cardiorespiratory fitness.

Better Attention, Lasting Joy, and How to Age Successfully (in 5 min)

g 🎧 If you enjoy listening, you can subscribe to the audio version on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , and Audible so you don’t even have to look at the email 😊 Get this in your inbox every Monday at 6:30 a.

How to Use Less, Accomplish More, and Feel More Cognitive Power

g 🎧 If you enjoy listening, you can subscribe to the audio version on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , and Audible so you don’t even have to look at the email 😊 Get this in your inbox every Monday at 6:30 a.

Intelligent Control of Breathing, Humming, and Stopping to Think

1. Intelligent Control of Breathing “An intelligent control of our breathing power will lengthen our days upon earth by giving us increased vitality a

Whole-Brain Breathing, Nexus Point, and Life is Far Too Important

Reading Time: 1 min 46 sec I hope the next 21’ish breaths are the most nourishing of your day. 4 THOUGHTS 1.

This is Astonishing, Heart & Brain, and Your Mind Can Change Your Life

Reading Time: 1 min 40 sec I hope the next 20-ish breaths are the most nourishing of your day.

Breath Learning, More Joy, and How to Change Our Reality

Introducing… www.breathlearning.com Now open. Check it out. 2.

The Science of Presence, Beating Gravity, and How to Sleep Like a Pro

I hope you enjoy it! 4 Thoughts 1. How to Sleep Like a Pro: Nose, 4-4-6-2, Repeat “ Breathe deeply and regularly…Try to breathe through your nose, keeping your mouth closed if at all possible.

How to Rest Your Brain, How to Deal with Problems, and Less is More

Reading Time: 1 min 40 sec I hope the next 20-ish breaths are the most nourishing of your day.

A Mini Life, Breath-Brain, and Helping Everyone Else Relax

mp3. Learn more Enjoy These Posts? Donate to support this newsletter podcast. Reading Time: 1 min 32 sec I hope the next 19’ish breaths are the most nourishing of your day. 4 THOUGHTS 1.

How to Solve Complex Problems, Your Path, and Focusing on Joy

No Audio this Week Donate to support this newsletter & podcast.

A Breakthrough in Respiratory Physiology

Happy End of the Year, Thank you for sharing part of your Mondays with me during 2020. Here are 4 more thoughts, 1 quote, and 1 answer to reflect on as we wrap up the year. Enjoy! 4 THOUGHTS 1.

3 Easy Mindful Breaths, Breathing's Version of AI, and 7/11 for 7/11

m. Eastern. Email Address Sign Up We respect your privacy. Thank you! 4 Thoughts 1.

Free OA App, 60 Seconds of Joy, and Breathing Improves Cognition

m. Eastern. Email Address Sign Up We respect your privacy. Thank you! 4 Thoughts 1.

A Breathing 4-Minute Mile, plus Inhaled Nitric Oxide

TGIM. Here are 4 thoughts, 1 quote, and 1 answer for this week. Enjoy! 4 THOUGHTS 1. The Breathing 4-Minute Mile The Wim Hof endotoxin study is breathing’s equivalent to a " 4-minute mile.