The Power of Breathing

An AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness Perspective

by Mark D. Lerner, Ph.D.

Chairman, The National Center for Emotional Wellness

Principal Consultant & Creator, AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness

AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness (AIEW) refers to the broad interface between the cognitive abilities of artificial intelligence and the complexity of human emotion. Acknowledging the irreplaceable importance of authentic, in-person communication, AIEW focuses on how artificial intelligence can foster emotional well-being.

While consulting with the AI community, I enjoy introducing innovative strategies that promote emotional wellness. By doing so, AI professionals can realize the potential of personalized techniques and feedback that can guide users. AIEW can make managing stress and improving emotional wellness more accessible, effective, and user-friendly. Here's one such technique.

During challenging times, it’s not uncommon for your breathing to change to help you manage the stress of your experience. Your breathing may become rapid, which brings oxygen into your body, enabling you to respond quickly to further danger. But this rapid breathing may also cause you to feel anxious, panicky, and uncomfortable.

So, what can you do? This technique can help you control your breathing. It's simple to learn and can quickly turn your breathing into a positive force for your physical and emotional wellness.

First, silence your cell phone. Sit or lie down, and make yourself comfortable. Close your eyes and become aware of your breathing. Don’t try to change it; simply become aware and focus on your breathing. Some thoughts may come into your mind; if they do, gently acknowledge them and then let them go, returning your focus to your breathing. Notice each time you inhale and each time you exhale. With each exhalation, think, “Relax, relax, relax.”

Next, take a slow, deep breath through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, noticing any tightness in your chest, neck, and shoulders, and slowly exhale through your mouth. Do this three times. You’ll find yourself becoming more relaxed with each breath you take.

There’s a reason why people, from athletes to soon-to-be moms, are encouraged to become aware of their breathing and use breathing techniques. Learning to control your breathing is not just a skill; it's a powerful tool that can help you cope more effectively with adversity, manage stress, and improve your overall well-being.

The power of breathing can profoundly affect how people manage stress. Although AIEW is in its infancy, its potential to utilize strategies and techniques to transform how we approach emotional wellness is virtually endless.

AI-Integrated Emotional Wellness Consultant