Breathing deeply and fully not only changes the body's physiology but also the emotional and mental outlook. Breathing is the only function in the body that is both voluntary and involuntary. That is, you can both breathe automatically and direct your breath to flow in a specific way.
Nevertheless, paying attention to your breath changes how you respond and think. Specifically, when you take a deep breath before talking back to someone, what you say has a different tone and even meaning. It allows you to respond rather than to react, and also allows you to detach from the situation, even momentarily, and ease the emotional charge.
With regards to mental health, deep breathing increases the oxygen and blood flow to the brain increasing focus, alertness and attention span. Furthermore, paying conscious attention to the breath, helps you put together your thoughts, integrate the front and back brain and thus bring more cohesion in your speech and information processing.
Lastly, conscious breathing connects the head, heart and throat thus making your expression more creative and respectful of others. It brings in prana or universal energy which feeds and connects all living organisms, and connects you with spirit. Think of conscious breathing as an exercise in presence and focus; check in with yourself throughout the day whether you are aware of your breath or you breathe automatically.
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