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A new study on mice revealed that removing some neurons that affect breathing patterns can change moods. Researchers were able to deduce that breathing exercises help to de-stress and relax.

Each person has their own method to de-stress. Some go on a marathon, others do yoga, while there are those who unwind with relaxing routines. But apparently, something as simple as changing the way one breathes can already help to loosen up and be at ease.

Neurons That Alter Breathing

Researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine analyzed the neurons in the brain that are associated with regulating breathing patterns like yawning, sighing, and the like with mice. They were amused to observe that the rodents' moods change when some neurons are removed.

The study published in Science details how the researchers are able to identify the neurons and what types regulate in certain kinds of breathing methods. When one type is knocked out, the researchers were able to observe that the mice are more relaxed and calm.

Lead author Kevin Yackle explains to the Stanford Medicine News Center that when the mice are put in a novel environment, they would usually explore and sniff around. However, when the certain neurons are wiped out, the mice just "sit around grooming themselves."

Relax With Breathing Patterns

While the findings can be challenging to test on humans, the scientists' discovery supports previous studies regarding breathing exercises to help de-stress. One researcher, Herbert Benson, proposed in the '70s the idea that deep breathing exercises can help bring a "relaxation response" according to Bustle.

Additionally, a certain type of yoga called Sudarshan Kriya which is known for involving cyclical breathing patterns is found by a 2009 study to improve one's mood and lower stress level hormones. While it might take some time to have human clinical trials to back up the study of Yackle's team, the notion that breathing exercises help to de-stress is one practice that would not hurt anyone to try.