Sigh...

Have you ever stopped to think of the myriad of methods we express ourselves? Aside from your beautiful smile, what about your coughs, wheezes, burps and toots (as my young son’s perfectly mannered young buddy most appropriately refers to the latter unpleasantries). We are far from quiet - even the most well mannered among us.

Of all the wails, guffaws, laughter with snorts, and shouts; what fascinates me the most is the humble sigh.

Did you ever notice how much more you sigh when faced with challenges? 

Take, for instance, the depth of hurt, pain and sorrow of grief that can never be fully expressed in words. It is a necessary part of our grieving process.  Sobbing, sighing and crying are physical signs of grief. Many studies report they are a necessary release of our emotions. Remember that grief does not just involve death but incudes a loss of expectations such as losing your job or the inability to use those air tickets collecting digital dust due to COVID-19.

How you breathe has a direct correlation with your central nervous system. As it turns out, the sigh seems critical in maintaining healthy stability as it:

• plays a role in monitoring brain state changes

• signals self-regulating  emotions

• regulates breathing variability

• controls arousal

• is essential for our flight and fight response

Enjoy a sigh of relief for its purpose in achieving a healthy balance for your well-being, particularly during the uncertainty of 2020. Sigh.

Joanne Wilson is the Relationship Rejuvenator and author of Renovate Your Relationship – All The DIY Tools For Your Most Important Project ($29.99). She is a neuropsychotherapist and podcaster inspiring the community for thriving and dynamic relationships that impact generations for mental well-being. Find out more at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com