Scientists discovered a brain circuit that allows us to regulate voluntary breathing, which connects the brain's emotional and behavioral cortical area to its automatic breathing brainstem area. The findings provide a targetable area for slowing breathing in people with anxiety, panic disorders, or PTSD, in addition to explaining the efficacy of slowed, intentional breathing in mindfulness practices like yoga.

Deep breath in, slow breath out… Isn't it odd that we can self-soothe by slowing down our breathing?