00:00Inhale. Exhale. This rhythm shapes our lives. Sometimes we breathe quickly. Sometimes slowly. The lungs set the pace for many
00:16other organs. They even affect our mood.
00:21Pretty much all cells need oxygen to power their furnaces, the mitochondria. These produce energy 24-7 using a process
00:30of bit-like combustion. It creates a waste product, carbon dioxide or CO2. The lungs' job is to get oxygen
00:39into the bloodstream and expel carbon dioxide, a super important task.
00:44In fact, it's so crucial that other parts of the body have to pitch in. The diaphragm and the muscles
00:52between the ribs expand the lungs, drawing air into the mouth and down the bronchial tubes.
01:01The lungs' tissue is made up of millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli. This is where the exchange of
01:09oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
01:13The lower part of the brain stem keeps a close eye on how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in
01:20the blood and adjusts our breathing accordingly.
01:22And that's not all. Our body's built-in alarm center, the sympathetic nervous system, reacts to our emotions. When we're
01:34afraid, it cranks up our breathing.
01:46Once we feel safe, the parasympathetic nervous system slows our breathing again and everything calms down.
01:53The process can be reversed because we can consciously control our breathing, making it quicker or slower, or even holding
02:05our breath.
02:05And that affects the entire body.
02:10Calm deep breathing.
02:13Lowers the pulse and blood pressure.
02:16Reduces stress and anxiety.
02:20Calms us down and improves focus.
02:24Even boosts our motor skills.
02:27And helps us fall asleep.
02:29And helps us fall asleep.
02:29And helps us fall asleep.
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