Have you ever had someone tell you “Just Breathe” meaning relax, let go, stop what you are doing and take a moment. Well, there’s a reason why your breath is a powerful tool and although breathing exercises are nothing new, health enthusiasts follow the popular trend called breathwork and they say the benefits can transform your life!
Your breath brings oxygen into your body so that you can thrive. When we breathe consciously, our mind slows down and brings us to the present moment. Breathwork can help calm you and make you feel less anxious bringing balance and a sense of relief, allowing us to go back to our day-to-day activities feeling clear and focused.
According to Richie Bostock a.k.a. The Breath Guy.“ Breathwork is any time that you become aware of your breathing and start to use it to create a physical, mental, or emotional benefit for yourself.”
The Not-so-New Trend
Because a lot of people are trying to shift into a health and wellness lifestyle, it’s not surprising that breathwork has become a popular trend. However this has been a practice for thousands of years, and it has roots in yoga practice.
Your Mind, and Body
In addition to being a popular relaxation method, breathwork has also proven to offer a wide variety of health benefits to your Mind, Body, and Soul. This makes it one of the most natural methods for treating a variety of issues and a powerful tool to access your body’s innate intelligence to heal itself.
Mind
In Meditation, breathwork is essential to help you reach a deeper state of tranquil mind and deep relaxation. In this state, you may be able to access the thoughts that may be crowding your mind- causing stress, buried emotions, and traumas.
Breathwork is often used to help those who have mental health issues and is seen as a way to calm and focus your mind.
Body
The physical benefits of breathing deeply are often immediate. By breathing deeply, you can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure this results in a feeling of calm. Also using your diaphragm instead of your chest when breathing brings in a larger amount of oxygen to reach your body’s cells and organs and relaxes your neck, chest, and ab muscles.
The Benefits of Breathwork
Here’s a short list based on ongoing research on the impact of Breathwork
- It provides quick relief from stress
- Slower and more profound breaths can lower blood pressure
- Sharpens your focus
- Improves mood and self-esteem
- Improves sleep
- Helps with pain management
- Strengthens the lungs
- Increases energy and boosts immunity
- Increases muscle tone
- Helps to overcome addictions
- Reduce symptoms of depression
- Increases creativity
Breathwork Techniques
There are a number of breathwork techniques that can help you get started.
- Deep abdominal breathing
- Alternate-nostril breathing
- Box Breathing
- 4-7-8 breath
- 2-1-4-1 breath
If you are searching for a simple, effective self-care technique with the science to back up its perceived benefits. Consider Breathwork! Although breathing is a natural body function that we unconsciously do every day. Breathwork is a conscious practice that you can do anytime, anywhere, and at absolutely no cost and can transform your life one practice at a time.
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If you enjoyed this here’s another inspiring post: WHY YOUR WEAKNESS MIGHT BE A STRENGTH IN DISGUISE
6 comments
Nicolle
Breathwork is a real game-changer, could not agree more! Learning and understanding how to use my breath, really helped me to ease my anxieties over time. Thanks so much for sharing this!!
Lani
Hi Nicole,
Breathwork indeed is a game changer. I’m glad you enjoyed this post. Thanks for the comment.
Nia
I love this! I’m starting the 4-7-8 method ! I think that’ll be a really great way to regulate the nervous system. Thank you!
Lani
Hi Nia,
I’m glad you enjoyed this post! Glad you’re trying it out, I hope brathwork does wonders for you!
Hannah
This was a really interesting read, thanks for sharing!
Lani
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for your comment. Glad you enjoyed it!