Hello, Beautiful Souls!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned while settling into my new apartment, it’s the importance of creating a space that feels truly like home. Part of this process for me has been connecting deeply with breathwork—a practice that not only grounds me but also clears out old energy and welcomes fresh, positive vibes.

It’s such a powerful tool, yet so simple. If you’ve ever wondered how to get started or how to weave it into your busy life, this post is for you. Let’s explore some commonly asked questions about breathwork, sprinkled with practical tips and a bit of my personal journey.

What is Breathwork and Why Does It Matter?

Breathwork is more than just breathing—it’s about intentionally connecting with your breath. While we do it automatically every day, we often take it for granted. Yet, when practiced mindfully, breathwork becomes a powerful tool for calm, clarity, and healing.

When stress hits, our breathing becomes shallow and quick, amplifying tension. Intentional breathwork slows things down, resets your nervous system, and restores balance.

For me, it’s a gentle way to reset—stepping off life’s hamster wheel and finding peace in the present moment. Even a few mindful breaths can transform your day. Ready to give it a try?

How Do You Start a Breathwork Routine?

Starting a breathwork routine doesn’t have to be complicated—simplicity is key. My own journey began with just five minutes each morning, and it’s grown into a grounding ritual that supports me throughout the day.

Here’s How to Get Started:

Set the Scene: Choose a quiet spot and stand or sit comfortably in front of a mirror.
Breathe with Intention: Take a deep inhale, focusing on your reflection.
Affirm Yourself: Say affirmations like “I am calm, I am capable, I am enough.”
Exhale Slowly: Let the breath flow out, releasing tension and fear.

As you become more comfortable, you can gradually extend your practice to 10, 20, or even 60 minutes on days when you need a deeper reset.

Make Breathwork Part of Your Day

The beauty of breathwork is its flexibility—it can fit effortlessly into your routine. You can practice in the afternoon, before bed, or even during daily tasks like cooking. For instance, while stirring a pot of stew, align your breathing with your movement: inhale deeply as you stir in one direction, then exhale as you reverse.

Enhance Your Practice

Pair breathwork with journaling, meditation, or yoga to create a deeper, more restorative experience. Consistency is key—just like training your muscles at the gym, regular breathwork helps your body remember a state of comfort and balance. Over time, it becomes something your body craves, supporting your overall well-being.

What Are the Best Techniques for Stress Relief?

When it comes to relieving stress, one of my go-to techniques is the 4-7-8 breathwork method. It’s simple, effective, and can be done anytime, anywhere:

Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 counts.
Hold your breath for 7 counts.
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 counts.

This technique works wonders by slowing your heart rate, reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and restoring balance between your Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)—responsible for “fight or flight”—and your Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)—which governs “rest and digest.”

By consciously guiding your breath, you can shift your body out of a stressed state and into a place of calm and relaxation.

Can Breathwork Help With Sleep and Relaxation?

Absolutely! Breathwork can be a game-changer for improving sleep and promoting relaxation. When we breathe rapidly, our heartbeat quickens, and tension spreads throughout the body. However, by slowing our breath with prolonged inhalations and exhalations, we signal the nervous system to reset. This helps calm the body, decrease the heart rate, and activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS), which is responsible for rest, digestion, and preparing the body for sleep.

A Soothing Bedtime Practice

Try this simple yet effective breathwork exercise to ease yourself into a restful state:

Get Comfortable: Lie on your back or side in a position that feels natural. Close your eyes and relax.
Place Your Hands: Rest your left hand on your chest and your right hand on your belly, tuning into the rhythm of your breath.
Visualize: Imagine each breath as a tiny bubble or “sheep” traveling through your body.
- Inhale: Picture the bubble entering through your nose for 5 counts. Let it flow down through your throat, into your chest, and finally reach your belly, expanding it fully.
- Exhale: Visualize the bubble leaving your body. It rises from your belly, through your chest and throat, and gently escapes through your nose.

Repeat this visualization for several minutes. The combination of focused breathing and calming imagery helps your body transition into a deeply relaxed state, making it easier to drift off to sleep.

This bedtime routine not only aids sleep but also fosters a sense of peace and balance at the end of your day.

How Can I Incorporate Breathwork Into a Busy Schedule?

Breathwork doesn’t require a serene setting or a full hour of your time—it’s a versatile practice that can seamlessly fit into even the busiest routines. Whether you’re commuting, grabbing a quick meal, or sitting through a long meeting, breathwork is a simple yet effective way to stay calm and centered. These brief moments of mindfulness can have a profound impact on your mental clarity and emotional balance.

Breathwork in Action

Take a meeting, for example. When discussions drag on, and the back-and-forth feels endless, that’s your cue to sneak in a quick breathwork practice. Here’s how:

Subtle Setup: Look down as if you’re jotting notes or reviewing your thoughts.
Practice Deep Breathing: Inhale deeply through your nose for 5 counts, then exhale slowly for another 5 counts.
Repeat: Continue this cycle for 1, 2, or even 5 minutes—whatever time you can spare.

This small, quiet exercise not only soothes your nervous system but also sharpens your focus, allowing you to remain engaged and composed.

Finding Your Calm Through Breathwork

Breathwork is a simple yet powerful way to bring calm and clarity into your life. Whether you’re easing stress, improving sleep, or staying grounded during a busy day, just a few mindful breaths can make a world of difference.

Start small, stay consistent, and let your breath guide you toward a sense of balance and peace. One breath at a time, you’ve got this!

Love and light,

Breathe In, Breathe Out: A Journey Into Breathwork