A new study suggests that intentionally altering the rhythm of breathing can influence decision-making by changing how the heart and brain function. Researchers from the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE) and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin found that extending the exhalation phase in breathing increases heart rate variability and makes the brain more responsive to rewards, which is linked to making bolder decisions. These findings were published in the journal Neuron. The research was led by Prof. Soyoung Q Park and involved scientists from several institutions, including the Neuroscience Research Center at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, and the German Naval Institute of Maritime Medicine. The study involved 41 healthy participants who made risky decisions while following controlled breathing instructions. Some participants breathed at their normal pace, while others slowed their breathing and lengthened the time spent exhaling, following a 2:8 inhale-exhale ratio. During the study, the researchers monitored multiple physical and neurological responses. They used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to observe brain activity and also tracked breathing patterns, heart rate, skin conductance, and pupil responses. This multi-faceted approach allowed the team to examine whether extended exhalation had more complex effects beyond simply lowering heart rate. They were particularly interested in whether this breathing pattern directly influenced how the brain processed potential rewards. The results showed that extending the exhalation slowed the heart rate and was associated with riskier decision-making. However, this shift in behavior seemed to stem from a greater focus on potential rewards rather than a reduced fear of losses. Participants still reacted to losses in a similar way. The study also found increased activity in brain regions such as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the precuneus, which are involved in reward processing and regulating the timing between heartbeats, known as heart rate variability. This research contributes to a growing field that explores how the body and brain communicate. It supports neurovisceral models, which suggest that physical states can strongly influence cognitive processes. Prof. Park noted that breathing techniques have been used for thousands of years across various cultures and religions. This study provides scientific evidence that such techniques can reliably influence decision-making. Because controlled breathing is simple, cost-effective, and easy to learn, the researchers believe it could be a valuable tool for everyday self-regulation. It may also offer non-drug support in clinical settings, especially for conditions like anxiety or depression, where autonomic regulation and reward processing can be disrupted. Future research will explore whether these effects apply to broader populations, including those with overweight, and whether breathing techniques could influence food-related decisions, given that eating behavior is strongly linked to reward processing and physical state.