Harnessing breathwork: unlock your superpower for enhanced well-being

What is conscious breathing?

Breathing is our superpower. It directly impacts our heart rate, and levels of stress, can calm our body and mind, and is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to regulate our emotions, bring about a state of balance, and bring us back into our body. 

Breathing is fundamental to life but one of the processes we most neglect.

Our body is a masterpiece, perhaps the most powerful machine in the world. It relentlessly works by converting energy into matter and it’s fueled by oxygen. Many of us pay close attention to what we consume and put into our bodies, yet we pay very little attention to how we are breathing. The fact that the human body can live up to three weeks without food, 3 to 5 days without water, and only a few minutes without oxygen, brings the importance of breathing into perspective.

In this crazy, fast-paced world, our breath is one of the few things that we have true control over. Controlling our breath changes our brain activity, resulting in physiological changes in our body. Consciously manipulating our breath can help us gain greater awareness and understanding of the unconscious behaviour patterns that are present in our lives. Practicing quality breathwork can help us manage anxiety, depression, and stress much better, and improve our general health as we become more aware of the wisdom stored within our bodies. 

What would happen to the quality of your life if you began to focus more on the quality of your breath? How could changing the way you breathe change the way you live? 

Taking the time to consciously practice breathing is hugely beneficial to our overall well-being and ability to live life in a balanced state. It gives us the opportunity to connect with ourselves, examine how we feel, and find out what we need and want for our lives. 

‍
Why conscious breathing is important

Finding balance is not about achieving a perfect equilibrium, but rather about cultivating an internal serenity that allows you to resiliently navigate life with grace. By harnessing the power of your breath, you can create a foundation of balance that supports your well-being and leads to a more happy, fulfilled, and harmonious life.

‍

How to start conscious breathing

A simple exercise to do when your body gives you signals that you are not in the optimal emotional state, such as noticing tightness in your chest or shoulders, is to simply make your exhales longer and more forceful than your in-breaths. This will activate the parasympathetic nervous system via the Vagus nerve, calming your body, returning your heart rate to normal, and activating the neocortex so you can think more clearly.