It's a natural and automatic act, yet we often underestimate the power of breathing in influencing our mental well-being. Thanks to a surprising and curious invention called PAWS, learning to breathe consciously it could become easier and more accessible to everyone.
The invention that shapes breathing
PAWS, an acronym for “Physical Artefact for Well-being Support”, is the result of the work of Alexz Farrall, a computer science student at the University of Bath in the United Kingdom. It is an interactive plush ball that synchronizes with the user's breathing, expanding and contracting in real time.
The key to the functioning of PAWS lies in the so-called “haptic feedback“: sensors applied to the user's body detect breathing patterns and transmit them to the ball via a computer. In this way, breathing becomes a tangible experience, allowing PAWS users to feel and observe the flow of air as the object changes shape.
Promising results in the fight against anxiety
However, PAWS is not just an original idea: the first studies conducted show very encouraging results. The participants who used the ball they reported on average a 75% reduction in anxiety and a 56% increase in resilience to negative thoughts.
In comparison, those who relied only on audio recordings of breathing techniques they experienced a 31% decrease in anxiety, a full 44 percentage points less than the PAWS group. This data suggests that the tangible and interactive nature of PAWS can make a difference in promoting effective mindful breathing.
The power of conscious breathing
Why is focusing on breathing so important for our mental well-being? Controlled, mindful breathing has long been recognized for its calming properties and positive effect on reducing anxiety.
However, maintaining attention on the breath is not always easy. Often, when we become distracted, we tend to fall back into automatic thought patterns that can hinder the effectiveness of mental health interventions. PAWS aims to overcome this difficulty, offering tangible support to stay focused on breathing.
A new horizon for mental well-being
The invention of PAWS represents a significant step forward in the search for innovative tools to promote mental health.
With its unique approach and proven effectiveness, this interactive plush ball could pave the way for a new generation of devices designed to help people manage anxiety and stress in a more natural and accessible way.
