One day, I found myself nearing a critical deadline while juggling multiple urgent tasks. Unexpected issues kept piling up, and I could feel stress building with every passing hour. I knew if I didn’t address it, I’d send myself into a dizzying tailspin. That’s when I paused, closed my eyes, and turned to a simple yet powerful tool: breathwork.

An Ancient Practice Backed by Modern Science

Breathwork, a practice that dates back thousands of years, has long been used to calm the mind and body. Whether through yoga, meditation, or martial arts, breathing exercises have been a cornerstone of practices designed to cultivate calm and focus. Modern science has now caught up to show why breathwork is so effective. A recent study highlighted that techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or guided breathwork can reduce stress and panic, particularly in individuals with clinical anxiety. The practice of slow diaphragmatic breathing influences both the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, enhancing parasympathetic nervous system activity(1). Stress, on the other hand, overactivates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate and bronchial dilation(1). These contrasting effects highlight the calming potential of slow diaphragmatic breathing to counteract stress-induced physiological responses. These findings underscore that how we practice breathwork matters as much as the practice itself.

Forms of Breathwork

Breathwork is simple, accessible, and free. Some popular methods include:

• Diaphragmatic Breathing: Also known as belly breathing, this technique involves deep, slow breaths that engage the diaphragm, calming the nervous system.
• Box Breathing: A method where you inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. This technique balances your body and mind.

Breathwork can be practiced proactively to build resilience or in the moment to manage stress and anxiety. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool anytime, anywhere. Ready to experience the benefits of breathwork yourself? Take a moment to pause and reset. Join this guided breathing session to bring calm and clarity to your day.

Take a Breath, Take Control

Breathwork is more than just a tool for relaxation, it’s a way to take control of your well-being. By practicing mindful breathing, you can reduce stress, improve focus, and build a foundation for resilience. Found this post helpful? Consider the benefits of The Shift: 90 Day coaching program where you will learn even more tools to help to shift your health to the next level! Learn more