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"BREATHING & THINKING ARE OUR DAILY CONSTANTS. THE ABILITY TO TAKE CONTROL OF BOTH IS THE MOST PROFOUND & LIFE-CHANGING THING YOU WILL EVER DO."
 -TANIA HEROLD, FOUNDER.

Breathing is the foundation of our life and health, and we take around 25,000 breaths a day without even thinking about it.

 

But have you heard of breathwork? It's like breathing, but with intention!

Conscious and regulated breathing empowers us to manage our body's nervous system and heal ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our breathing patterns highly influence our thoughts and emotions, so if you're feeling out of whack - then perhaps it's time to take control of your breath and show it who's the boss.

HOW WE THINK & HOW WE FEEL HAS A SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE ON OUR RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DUE TO ITS DIRECT CONNECTION WITH OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM & BRAIN FUNCTION.​

 

Research has shown that there is a close link between respiratory activity, brain function, and the nervous system. Breathing is not only essential for supplying oxygen to the body but also plays a crucial role in regulating the nervous system.

What exactly is the nervous system, and why is it relevant to how we think and feel?

The body's nervous system is like a messaging system that helps different parts of your body communicate with each other. It's made up of your brain, spinal cord, and nerves that run throughout body. It's responsible for controlling everything from your movements to your thoughts and emotions.
 

The body's nervous system operates through two main branches:
 

  • Sympathetic Nervous System (fight-or-flight): Activated during stress or threat, it increases heart rate, respiration, and muscle readiness. Shallow or rapid breathing tends to activate this system, leading to feelings of anxiety and stress.
     

  • Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest-and-digest): Promotes relaxation, slows heart rate, aids digestion, and supports recovery.

Did you know that when we experience difficult emotions like stress, anxiety, depression, or overthinking, our bodies react in various ways? This includes changes in brain activity, hormone levels, heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, skin responses, and muscle tension. However, research has found that taking control of our heart rate can actually reverse these changes.

 

Our heart rate is the first and most significant change our nervous system reacts to when decoding which system to activate. So how do we successfully take control of our heart rate? 

 

This is truly where the secret power behind breathwork lies. Taking control of your respiratory system by following a specific rhythm of breathing is an instant way to lower your heart rate.   

The true power
of breathwork lies
in controlling your respiratory system 
through specific breathing rhythms,
which can instantly
lower your heart rate.

Regulation of stress response

Shallow and rapid breathing can activate the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol. On the other hand, slow, deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. This shift can lead to a calmer state of mind, decrease in anxiety, and improved emotional regulation.

Impact on mood and emotions

Breathing techniques can influence our emotional state. Techniques that emphasize long exhales, such as diaphragmatic breathing or pranayama, can activate the vagus nerve and increase activity in brain regions associated with positive emotions. This can lead to feelings of calmness, contentment, and overall well-being.

Enhanced resilience and adaptability

Regular practice of breathing exercises can strengthen resilience to stress and improve adaptive responses to challenges. Over time, individuals may develop greater emotional resilience, coping skills, and a more positive outlook on life.​

Oxygenation and brain function

Deep and controlled breathing increases the oxygen supply to our brain. Oxygen is vital for brain function, including cognitive processes such as concentration, memory, and problem-solving. Improved oxygenation through intentional breathing can enhance mental clarity and focus.

Mind-Body connection

Conscious breathing practices cultivate mindfulness and awareness of the present moment. By focusing on our breath, we can reduce distractions and enhance mindfulness. This heightened awareness can help us better manage our thoughts and emotions, fostering a more balanced and positive mindset.

Boost physical health

Particular techniques can have a big impact on the body and help improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, improve lung function, boost the immune system and increase energy levels.

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IN SUMMARY, STRESS CAN CAUSE RAPID HEART RATE AND FAST IRREGULAR BREATHING, WHILE RELAXATION CAN BE INDUCED BY A STEADY HEART RATE AND SLOW BREATHING. THIS SHOWS HOW HEART RATE AND RESPIRATION AFFECT EMOTIONS, AND VICE VERSA. RETRAINING THE BREATH AWAY FROM STRESS-INDUCED PATTERNS SUPPORTS YOUR PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH.

 

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