The Power of Your Breath
Most of us don’t think much about how we breathe - it just happens. But the way you breathe has a direct impact on your stress levels, nervous system, energy and even your emotions. The breath is more than just a function - it’s a bridge between the body and mind.
Many of us unconsciously breathe in ways that reinforce stress and tension, keeping us in a heightened state of alertness without realising it. But with awareness and practice, the breath can be used as a tool to shift our state, regulate the nervous system and bring the body back into balance.
How Breath Shapes Your State: The Science Behind It
Nasal vs. Mouth Breathing
Nasal breathing isn’t just a preference - it’s a biological necessity. Breathing through the nose activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system responsible for rest, recovery and digestion. It also improves oxygen absorption, supports brain function and filters the air we inhale. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, often leads to shallow, rapid breathing patterns that keep the body in a low grade state of stress, increasing cortisol levels and disrupting sleep.
Diaphragmatic Breathing: The Key to Regulation
Most people breathe from the chest, especially when stressed. This signals to the body that it’s in a fight-or-flight state. Diaphragmatic breathing - where the breath moves deep into the belly - helps activate the vagus nerve, shift the body into a state of calm and improve oxygen exchange. The key is to breathe low and slow, allowing the diaphragm to fully engage. This type of breathing lowers blood pressure, reduces tension and improves overall system resilience.
How Breath Patterns Reflect Stress Levels
When we’re overwhelmed or anxious, we tend to hold our breath or take short, shallow breaths. This signals danger to the brain, reinforcing a cycle of stress and dysregulation. On the other hand, consciously shifting to slow, rhythmic breathing tells the body it is safe, helping to bring the nervous system back into balance.
Breath as Detoxification
Over 70 percent of detoxification happens through the breath. Every exhale releases carbon dioxide, which carries metabolic waste out of the body. Shallow breathing slows this process, which can contribute to fatigue, brain fog and sluggishness. Learning to optimise breath supports cellular detox and overall vitality.
The Mind-Body Connection: Breath as a Bridge
Breathing directly affects brain function. When we slow the breath, it increases coherence between the heart and brain, improving decision making, emotional regulation and resilience to stress. This is why breathwork is such a powerful tool for shifting states, releasing stored emotions and supporting long term wellbeing.
Integrating Breathwork Into Your Life
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to breathwork. Some practices are gentle and restorative, while others are activating and deeply transformational. Whether you’re looking to reduce daily stress, improve focus or dive into deeper emotional work, breathwork is one of the most accessible and effective tools available.
