Breathing patterns affect the pattern of heart rate variability [^1]. When you are doing slow and regular deep breathing, like inhalation for 5 seconds and exhalation for 5 seconds, marked by a highly ordered, smooth pattern of heart rate variability, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems can be synchronized with each other. We name this state Breath Coherence / Coherence Time.
At this time, the two branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, are coordinating with each other, and you are achieving a state of cognitive enhancement and energetic calm. This state is associated with increased concentration, fast reaction, memory, and emotional stability [^2][^3].
The Real-time Breath Coherence will show 60 seconds of you breathing rhythm.
If you are having regular deep breaths, you'll find the line of Real-time Breath Coherence goes smoothly and periodically in a few seconds. Keep as long as you can!
<aside> 📌 Tips: Coherence is different from relaxation. Relaxation is primarily an increase in parasympathetic activity, a state of rest from cognition and emotion.
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[^1]: Courtney, Rosalba & Cohen, Marc & Dixhoorn, Jan. (2011). Relationship Between Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns and Ability to Achieve Target Heart Rate Variability With Features of "Coherence" During Biofeedback. Alternative therapies in health and medicine. 17. 38-44.
[^2]: McCraty, Rollin. (2005). Enhancing Emotional, Social, and Academic Learning With Heart Rhythm Coherence Feedback. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation. 33. 130-134.
[^3]: Edwards, Stephen. (2014). Evaluation of heart rhythm coherence feedback training on physiological and psychological variables. South African journal of psychology = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir sielkunde. 2014. 73– 82. 10.1177/0081246313516255.