[One Thousand Characters a Day] Dr. Lee Si-hyung's 'Happiness Must Also Be Learned' <4>

Editor's NoteOne of the factors that inhibit the happiness hormone 'serotonin,' which helps shake off the blues of a tiring daily life and inject vitality into life, is stress. Stress is highly subjective and, on the other hand, is also proof that we are alive. Therefore, when stress accumulates, instead of fighting to eliminate it, we should quietly accept it and find ways to relieve it. Dr. Lee Si-hyung (psychiatrist) explains that simply relaxing tension and calming the mind through abdominal deep breathing in stressful situations can activate serotonin function. Word count: 782 characters.

Rhythmic abdominal deep breathing is very important in the serotonin technique. While inhalation is important for normal life-sustaining breathing, exhalation is key in the serotonin breathing method. When you inhale, the sympathetic nervous system dominates, whereas during exhalation, the parasympathetic nervous system takes precedence. It is easy to understand this by thinking about how a sigh makes you feel relieved. Normal breathing occurs about 12 times per minute, but serotonin breathing is done 3 to 4 times per minute through a slightly open mouth, in a thin, soft, slow, deep manner, with the lower abdomen pulled in so much that it almost touches the back.

As you gradually become proficient, the exhalation naturally becomes longer than the inhalation. This happens automatically without deliberate effort. When we experience severe stress or urgency, we breathe rapidly. This is because a lot of oxygen and energy are needed to prepare for fight or flight. This is called 'hyperventilation syndrome,' which places a tremendous burden on our body.

However, the autonomic nervous system does not respond to our will or desires. When stressed, breathing naturally becomes rapid, and the mind becomes anxious. Even if you command yourself to calm down, it does not listen. The only way to calm the excited sympathetic nervous system (stress) at such times is the 'slow, deep abdominal breathing method.' This is the fundamental basic of stress coping methods. Therefore, in any situation caused by stress, it is recommended to perform this breathing method first. Repeating it two or three times will relieve tension and bring a sense of calm. If it feels insufficient, you can continue for 5 to 20 minutes. Once it becomes somewhat habitual, it naturally transitions into a short meditation. What is clear is that stress coping is successful with abdominal deep breathing alone.

- Lee Si-hyung, Happiness Must Also Be Learned, Special Library, 16,000 KRW

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.