Breathe easy: A beginner’s guide to breathwork
May 16, 2023
Are you feeling stressed or anxious? Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed with everything going on in your life? Well, I have some good news for you - there's a solution that can help you feel better, and it's called breathwork!
Hold up, what in the world is breathwork? Is it just some fancy term for inhaling and exhaling? Well, yes and no. At its core, breathwork is all about learning how to control and regulate your breathing to improve your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. And trust us, it's not as easy as it sounds.
"Breathe in deeply to bring your mind home to your body". – Thich Nhat Hanh
So, let's start with the basics. Understanding how to breathe properly may seem like a no-brainer (after all, we've been doing it all of our lives), but there's actually a lot more to it than you might think. Breathing techniques like deep breathing and belly breathing can help you reduce stress, improve focus, and even boost your immune system. Plus, just imagine being able to hold your breath for minutes on end.
You may be wondering if there is any scientific evidence to support the benefits of breathwork. Without a doubt, the answer is a resounding yes. According to research, using focused breathing techniques can ease chronic pain, boost sleep quality, and lessen anxiety. By inhaling and exhaling slowly and deliberately, oxygen is carried throughout the body and helps the body rest and heal. It's truly remarkable that something you can simply do at home has so many overwhelming benefits.
How can you actually implement breathwork into your everyday routine? There are a variety of ways to learn more about breath control, from guided meditation apps to breathwork courses and classes. You can even experiment with more complex techniques like the Wim Hof Method or Holotropic Breathwork if you're feeling very daring.
If you're looking for a simple breathwork exercise to start with we've got you covered. A perfect technique to start your breathwork journey off is the 4-7-8 breathing method. This technique is simple and effective for calming the mind and body. You start by inhaling deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of eight. Repeat this pattern for a few rounds, focusing on the counts and allowing yourself to relax with each exhale.
At the end of the day, breathwork is all about taking a moment to pause, focus on your breath, and connect with your body and mind. So, go ahead and give it a try!
Here are a few more resources that would be suitable for you if you have enjoyed the resources we have shared with you :)
The Healing Power of the Breath by Richard Brown and Patricia Gerbarg: In this book, the authors explore the transformative power of breathwork. They provide a comprehensive guide to various breathwork techniques, combining modern scientific research with ancient wisdom practices.
The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human Potential Written by the renowned "Iceman" Wim Hof himself, this book introduces readers to the Wim Hof Method. This method is a combination of breathwork, cold exposure, and mindset training. Wim Hof shares his personal journey and the scientific principles behind his method.
If you thoroughly enjoyed reading this article and want to dive deeper into the world of breathwork, we invite you to listen to our podcast featuring our very own breathwork teacher. In this podcast, you'll gain valuable insights and practical guidance on how to make the most of your breath, further enhancing your physical and mental well-being. So, if you're seeking more inspiration and knowledge on breathwork, tune in and join us on this transformative journey.
