Breath Matters

Breath is so important to our well-being:

Correct breathing is fundamental to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being — yet it's one of the most overlooked habits.

Conscious breathing helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), which calms the body, lowers heart rate, and reduces stress. Breathwork helps move stuck energy and release emotional blocks, which is why many people feel emotional during or after a session.

When we breathe deeply and slowly, we bring more oxygen to the brain, which enhances focus, clarity, and mood. Breathing properly helps with detoxification, digestion, and circulation. It's foundational to nearly every system in the body.

A guide to breathing correctly and consciously, especially for relaxation, emotional release, or clarity.

1. Breathe through your nose

• Why: Nasal breathing filters air, regulates airflow, and supports nervous      system balance.
• Sit or lie down with an urgently. Inhale slowly through your nose.

2. Breathe into your belly (diaphragmatic breathing)

• Why:   This activates your diaphragm and signals safety to your body, reducing stress.
• Try this:

1. Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly.
2. Breathe in slowly. Feel the belly rise (not your chest).
3. Exhale slowly and feel your belly fall.

3. Slow, deep, and rhythmic

• Why: Long, steady breaths calm the mind and reduce cortisol levels.
• Try this rhythm:

1. Inhale for 4 seconds
2. Hold for 4 seconds
3. Exhale for 6–8 seconds
4. Pause briefly before the next inhale

This is sometimes called coherent breathing or box breathing (when all steps are equal in length).

4. Make exhalation longer than inhalation

• Why:  A longer exhale activates the parasympathetic ("rest and digest") response.
• Try this:

1. Inhale 4 counts, exhale 6–8 counts
2. Let go more with every outbreath

5. Be mindful — feel the breath

• Why:  Mindful breathing brings you into the present, calming racing thoughts.
• Try this: Close your eyes. With each breath, silently say:

1. Inhale...      I arrive.
2. Exhale...      I am here.

🧘‍♀️ Bonus: Use posture to support breath

• Sit or lie down with a straight spine, relaxed shoulders, and open      chest.
• Don’t slouch — it restricts diaphragm movement. Fit into a shorter, more      succinct space.

In short:

"How you breathe is how you live."

Breathing well = Living well.