Feeling anxious? A breathing pillow can help, says study

Are you always feeling stressed or anxious at work or from your roles and responsibilities as a parent? Here’s something new that can help you once it’s out in the market — a breathing cushion.

Breathing pillow to reduce anxiety

Researchers from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom have now developed breathing pillows to help people suffering from stress and anxiety simulate breathing. Currently, there has been preliminary evidence that suggests that it could help people’s pre-test anxiety.

The newest touch-based device that helps in reducing anxiety was just developed recently. Initially, the developer’s aim in building several prototype devices was to simulate different sensations including breathing, purring and a heartbeat. 

A breathing pillow, also known as a breathing cushion, is meant to be inviting and intuitive. It was tested on 129 volunteers who participated in an experiment conducted by the researchers to test the new device.

The result shows that people who used the hugging cushion were less anxious than those who did not. Most of the participants said it they had the “most pleasant” and “calming” experience while using the product.

The breathing pillow can be compared to a guided meditation, which is also excellent and effective at easing stress and anxiety. 

The breathing pillow is still undergoing development — researchers are still making it more user-friendly and more beneficial to people suffering from stress and anxiety. 

Engineer Alice Haynes from the University of Bristol said, “We were excited to find that holding the breathing cushion, without any guidance, produced a similar effect on anxiety in students as a meditation practice. This ability of the device to be used intuitively opens it up to providing wider audiences with accessible anxiety relief.”

How to reduce anxiety the natural way

For those with chronic stress and anxiety, it’s best to consult a psychologist for the appropriate treatment and medications.

However, if you prefer to go the natural route, there are a few things you can try. Just always remember that every individual has different conditions. It is best to consult your doctor before trying these recommended natural remedies on how to reduce anxiety.

• Exercise

Exercise is the best way to reduce and burn anxious energy in your mind and body.

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• Meditation

Meditation is an example of mind-body medicine. It helps people to have a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. 

Furthermore, meditation can also help slow racing thoughts and makes it easier to manage stress and anxiety. There is a wide range of medication styles such as mindfulness and meditation while doing yoga. 

• Relaxation exercises

As mentioned above, every individual has a unique condition. People vary in how they manage and experience stress and anxiety. Some unconsciously tense their muscles and clench their jaw in response to anxiety. 

If this is the case, progressive relaxation exercises can help. You may try to lie in a comfortable position and slowly contract and relax each muscle group. 

• Writing

Some research suggests that any form of writing or journaling can help people cope better with stress and anxiety. Writing is an excellent way to express your stress, making it more manageable. 

• Time management strategies

Are you bombarded with many activities, tasks, and commitments? That could be the reason why you are stressed and feeling anxious right now. 

It does not matter if your thoughts and commitments are family, work, or health-related. It is essential to keep in mind that having a plan is necessary to prevent getting anxious. 

• Herbal tea

Some swear by drinking herbal tea to help them calm down and reduce anxiety. It also aids in having better sleep. 

• Herbal supplements

Herbal supplements are similar to herbal teas when it comes to helping to reducing stress and anxiety. One plus is that the use of some herbal supplements is backed up by scientific evidence. 

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Keep in mind that it is vital to consult with a doctor who is expert and knowledgeable about the herbal supplement before trying any of it. 

• Spend time with your pets or animals

Companionship, love, joy, and support are the things that your pet can offer. Having pets and spending time with them can benefit people who are suffering from different mental health issues. 

Moreover, studies in the past suggest that spending time with animals can also reduce anxiety and stress associated with trauma. 

If you’re experiencing severe stress and anxiety and having trouble managing it, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to a psychologist or other medical professional about ways on how to reduce anxiety. 

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This article was first published in theAsianparent.