The breath is connected to all the parts of our body. The oxygen we breathe nourishes our blood and tissues. The movement of the breath helps massage our internal organs. The breath and the nervous system are also interconnected. When we are stressed, angry or upset our breath becomes shorter and faster. When we are relaxed the breath is easy, slower, and longer. When we create a long, slow breath we can calm and relax our nervous system. This is one of the reasons pranayama practice is important. We can use it to calm the nervous system.
Try it! Take a couple long, slow, deep breaths. Take a long slow deep breath in and slowly let is out. Do it again. And do it one more time. Now notice how you feel. Do you feel calmer? More relaxed?