Breathe in, breathe out. This is something you’re always doing by default, but did you know that not all breathing has the same results? Your breathing techniques can make or break your day. They can be the ticket to common things such as soothing an oncoming headache, grounding yourself when you feel anxiety setting in, or setting a comfortable pace during a big presentation at work.
However, learning about your breathing and different techniques to try will take time and practice, and there’s no time like the present to start. Here are three everyday things that can benefit from the magic of breathwork.
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Breathwork for Sleep
When you’re having a hard time settling down for the night, what do you typically do about it? Do you have a go-to plan? If breathwork isn’t part of your sleep toolbox, making it one right now is a must.
Wondering how breathing can impact your sleep? Not only are breathwork techniques excellent for calming your central nervous system and slowing your heart rate, but some are also ideal for letting your brain know it’s time to rest as well. The 4-7-8 method should be on the top of your list for techniques to try.
The key is being able to focus on your breath and tune out distractions. While this might seem simple enough, be prepared. It will likely take a few rounds at first.
Note that breathwork on its own won’t be as effective if you don’t tidy up your sleep hygiene. Cutting out caffeine in the hours leading up to bedtime and limiting your blue light exposure will be beneficial here as well. Remember, everything is connected.
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Breathwork for Wellness and Energy
How often do you feel low on energy, or that something just isn’t right? Is your goal to elevate your health and wellness, but you’re not sure if you’re doing enough?
Enter breathwork. It’s important to hold it in high regard because not only is it effective, it’s also something everyone can do. It doesn’t cost anything but time. And chances are, you’ll be amazed at how many ways you can benefit from it physically
Breathwork can help remedy common complaints with digestion, inflammation and pain. It can also help to detoxify your body and strengthen your lungs.
The next time you’re feeling run down, lacking motivation or just generally not your best, try out a stimulating breathing sequence, such as Bellows Breath. Remember to start slow and small when introducing new techniques. This will ensure you don’t overdo it.
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Breathwork for Peace and Relaxation
In today’s world, it’s all too common to feel anxious and stressed out. The important thing to ask yourself is, how are you managing your stress and anxiety?
If you’ve ever experienced anxiety or a panic attack, you know how consuming and scary they can be. And even though not everyone will experience the same symptoms, some of the most common revolves around your breath. If there’s one thing you remember to do, focus on exhaling. This will help to regulate not only your oxygen levels but will help to bring your breathing pattern back to normal.
However, once you’re in the middle of an anxious spell or a panic attack, it can be hard to shift your focus to anything but the million thoughts racing around inside your head. But this is also the point when it’s incredibly important to try. To prepare, familiarize yourself (when you’re calm) with a few different routines, such as alternate nostril breathing, and keep them in your back pocket. You never know when you’ll need them.
Even though breathing is something your body is always doing, it’s not always given the credit it deserves. Learning more about the power of breathwork is a fairly simple way to elevate how you look after yourself. You might even learn that you can improve different aspects of your life simply by making it a part of your daily routine, leading to other healthy changes to your lifestyle as well.
