Breathwork is a simple yet powerful tool you can use throughout your day. It can help you feel calmer before a difficult conversation, create a pause during stressful moments, settle your mind before sleep, or improve your focus before an important event. With regular practice, breathwork also supports greater self-awareness and emotional wellbeing.
The beauty of breathwork is that it is always with you. Just a few intentional breaths can help you feel calmer, more grounded, and better equipped to navigate whatever the day brings.
Types
Breathwork can be used in different ways depending on what you need in the moment and the different breathing techniques create different responses in the body. Some are for relaxation, others focus your attention in order to calm down or ground yourself, and there are also techniques for energising yourself.
Let’s break down some simple, yet effective, techniques.
Techniques
Check our free downloads on tactile breathing techniques using shapes and your hand , as well as the one about unpacking breathing techniques .
Box Breathing (4-4-4-4)
A calming technique often used to reduce stress and create a sense of balance. In this technique, inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, hold again for four, and repeat.
Tactile breathing
A combination of touch with intentional breathing. This is often good for people who need additional support to focus and stay present in the moment.
Extended Exhale Breathing.
This is a focused exhale for a longer count than your inhale. For example: inhale for a count of four, exhale for a count of six to eight. This reduces stress and assists with emotional regulation.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
A slower, mindful breathing practice where you alternate breathing through each nostril. It can help encourage focus and balance.
Energising Breathwork
These are faster paced breathing techniques designed to increase energy and focus. Often this is done by quickly breathing in and out of the nose. This can assist with becoming motivated and more present in the moment.
Deep Belly Breathing (Diaphragmatic Breathing)
This technique encourages slower, deeper breaths pushing the diaphragm down rather than shorter chest breathing. This reduces tension and assists with calming your central nervous system.
Follow us on social media for more easy wellness techniques to incorporate into your life and check out the free resources on our website.
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This advice in this article is general