Breathwork. What’s the big deal?

Breathing, it’s an unconscious habit that we might just be taking for granted. 

Who would have thought the intentional willingness to tune into your breath combined with small adjustments to how you breath could be a simple, natural, inexpensive, mental health silver bullet having a profound impact on our health and wellbeing.

Intuitively we understand, rapid shallow breathing is linked to signs of stress and anxiety and is often a mechanism for causing these symptoms to worsen. Long, slow, deep breathing is known to have an opposite effect causing relaxation and reduced anxiety as blood pressure lowers.

All the renewed interest and rave behind the catchword, “breathwork” is now backed by science.  Showing intentional mindfulness in breathing helps alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.  One simple study found that practicing slow breathing for just 15 minutes a day can significantly reduce cortisol levels, a hormone directly associated to stress.  Let’s be honest everyone these days could benefit from a relaxed nervous system that lessens the impact of our daily stressors.

What’s happening in the midst of all of that simplicity?

When you take those long, deep breaths you are activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating your state of calm.  The very same system known to have a positive impact on mental health.  Taking the time to breathe is also shown to improve concentration and focus.  So, yes, you could bring your “A game” to every work meeting just by tapping some intentional breathing strategies. How does this happen? Findings have revealed an increase in alpha brain waves (the ones that lead to a deeper level of thinking) when participants slow and deepen their breath. These brain waves at the forefront of your mind, literally, can open you to a world of improved concentration and productivity.

Your immune system is likely to see a boost in the process too. Breathwork focused on increasing oxygen intake and lymphatic flow is having profound impacts on people struggling with pain and chronic illness.  Layering in physical wellness with reduced stress.

Learning to breathe to improve your health can start today with a simple mindfulness meditation or box breath technique.  Start with 2 minutes, it goes by fast and add a minute every week.  The investment of time will be minimal and before you know it the effects will have a profound impact on your being. 

Or you might want to jump start a calmer version of you by attending a weeklong Awaken Your Soul retreat.  Awaken Your Soul hosts heart-opening retreats intended to help you restore balance and reimagine your best life.   In a quiet jungle setting we’ll nourish our bodies with healthy food, daily movement, meditation, and breath work that calms the nervous system, stimulates your creative brain, and awakens your soul. 

In February 2024 we are offering retreats for men and women, you can learn more about our life transformation packages at www.awakenursoul.net. Want more information about a retreat that meets your needs email us at info@awakenursoul.net.