We all have to do it, but are we making the most of it's potential.
For me, I think of breathwork as very similar to making sure we spend enough time outside. In our every day lives we are likely at some point to find ourselves outside. The trick is to take a moment to appreciate that time and try to soak in the goodness it offers (fresh air, vitamin D, taking in what's around us).
Focusing on our breathwork is pretty similar- though we may need to spend a little bit of time consciously focusing on how we breath. In our day to day routine we seem to be increasingly going from one place or project to another. It's more than likely that we are breathing shallowly and not spending time thinking of how we breath.
Breathwork - it needn't be hard
Why not give a simple breathwork technique a go. It will only take a few minutes and you can do it anywhere and anytime.
A great starting point is to;
- Notice how you feel before you start
- Sit or stand comfortably
- Close your eyes if it feels OK (or you can focus on a single point)
- Focus on breathing through your nose
- Try to do 20 rounds of breathing (using your fingers to keep count)
- Inhale to count of 4
- Exhale to the count of 4
- It' will only take around 3-4 minutes
- Notice how you feel at the end - has anything changed?
You may want to try the first few times in a quite location that is free from distractions and potentially in a private place.
As you feel more comfortable you could always try it on your daily commute on the train / bus / underground, in between meetings, when put your phone down for a moment or just before you go to bed.
Benefits of Breathwork
- Stress Reduction and Relaxation
Breathwork promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, bringing a sense of calm and tranquility to your daily life.
By focusing on intentional breathing patterns, you can sharpen your concentration, improve cognitive function, and gain a clearer perspective on life's challenges.
- Emotional Release and Healing
Engaging in breathwork allows you to let go of pent-up emotions, creating space for healing and self-discovery; give it a go and see what comes up.
Oxygen can act as a fuel for life, and through conscious breathing, you can enhance your energy levels, promoting a vibrant and revitalized state of being.
incorporating breathwork into your bedtime routine can help calm the mind, release tension, and pave the way for a restful and rejuvenating sleep.
- Heightened Self-Awareness
Breathwork can act as a powerful introspective tool, fostering self-awareness and a deeper connection with your self.
You can read about some of the benefits of breathwork in one of our blogs.
We also have a selection of breathing techniques available in our on-demand library.
We'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback - have you been able to add Breathwork into your daily habit. Remember; starting small can help ingrain the activity into your routine so that it becomes a long lasting habit in your live.
