Light-guided resonant breathing enhances psychophysiological stress recovery in a simulated office environment

Occupational stress represents a substantial health concern. This study investigated the immediate psychophysiological effects of light-guided resonant breathing (RB) on stress recovery following standardized laboratory stressors in a simulated office environment. Eighty healthy university students participated in a controlled laboratory crossover study. After stress induction via a modified cold pressor test, participants were randomized to either 5-minute light-guided RB or passive rest. Following an 18-minute paced serial addition test for cognitive stress induction, recovery interventions were reversed. Primary outcomes included heart rate variability (root mean square of successive differences, RMSSD), heart rate, and self-reported stress and strain. The stress induction procedures triggered distinct psychophysiological stress responses patterns. RB significantly increased RMSSD during recovery after both stressors (large effect sizes) and was rated as more enjoyable than passive rest. Following cognitive stress, RB additionally reduced subjective strain and was perceived as more effective. Light-guided RB effectively promoted stress recovery, with particularly pronounced benefits following cognitive stress. By revealing distinct psychophysiological recovery mechanisms across stressor types, this study provides novel theoretical insights into autonomic recovery specificity. High participant enjoyment ratings further support the potential of RB for occupational implementation.