“Sighs are the natural language of the heart”

Thomas Shadwell.

Did you know that we naturally sign several times an hour and that sighing is an important part of maintaining healthy lung function?

Perhaps we’re more aware of the sighing we do connected to emotions… it features in the full range, from deep sadness, boredom, exhaustion, relief all the way to absolute joy and contentment.

A sigh is a tool for “regulation resetting” in response to both physiological and psychological demands, and I’m not sure it gets enough of our respect or recognition?

Heaving a sigh of relief truly is a release of tension! A sigh can support the nervous system back from activation (fight or flight) to a relaxed state of rest and safety.

Next time you notice an involuntary sigh, take a minute to notice what it’s function might be… and maybe give a nod to your clever body for all the amazing background work it does to keep you regulated.

A sigh can be spontaneous but we can also draw on it as a tool within us to deepen and build our abilities to self regulate in times of stress. Practice a soothing sigh at times of stress/ activation and see if it helps to release some tension.

Note… maybe not one to try too many times around your boss/ spouse/ other without sharing the tip/ telling them what you’re up to!!