Answer this question to the best of your ability:
What is the biological mechanism behind how breathing exercises reduce stress levels?
Breathing exercises impact the autonomic nervous system, which controls our body's stress response. When we're stressed, our sympathetic nervous system (the "fight or flight" response) kicks in, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. By focusing on our breath during breathing exercises, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" response), which slows down these physiological processes. This lowers stress levels and promotes relaxation.