"The Power of Breathwork: How to Unlock Concentration and Clarity with a Simple Technique"
There is a shift that happens in the mind and body so amazingly quickly by deep breathing. It is like a superpower that can help you feel balanced and concentrated.
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Today at a glance:
Breathwork is the practice of consciously controlling the breath to bring about change in the mind and body, and can help to reduce stress, boost energy, and improve concentration.
It can be done anywhere and consists of techniques such as box breathing, alternate nostril breathing, humming bee breath, lion's breath, and belly breathing.
There is a shift that happens in the mind and body so amazingly quickly by using Breathwork. It is like a superpower that can help you feel balanced and at peace.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before practicing Breathwork, as it may not be suitable for those who experience shortness of breath, anxiety, panic attacks, or have heart conditions.
A Framework:
We all breathe every day without giving it much thought. But if we take the time to really focus on our breath and do deeper, controlled breathing, it can be really helpful. It can help regulate our blood pressure and even lift our mood.
What is breathing?
The air around us has Nitrogen, Carbon Dioxide, and Oxygen. Oxygen is the most important because we need it to stay alive.
We breathe in air through our nose or mouth and it goes to our trachea and then our lungs, which get bigger. The air then goes to air sacs and oxygen passes into our blood.
The average person does this 17,000 to 24,000 times a day.
When you're feeling nervous or anxious, you might tense up and start to breathe quickly and shallowly (known as hyperventilation). You might even hold your breath.
If we breathe under stress for too long, cells in our brain and body don't get enough oxygen and don't work as well.
But our breathing can also cause the fight-or-flight response. So it works both ways! We can control our body and its systems by controlling our breathing.
That's why it's often suggested to take a deep breath and slow down when we're in a stressful situation.
This means we can control how our body functions by controlling the quality of our breathing.
This is called Breathwork.
What exactly is Breathwork?
Breathwork is the practice of consciously controlling the breath to bring about change in the mind and body.
The best thing about it is that you can start by simply paying attention to the quality of your breath.
What is the difference between meditation and breathwork?
Breathwork is like a more active type of meditation. We go beyond our thoughts and become connected to our body. When we do Breathwork, we consciously change the way we breathe to find more balance and peace.
How can I start practicing Breathwork?
Get to know your breath before you start using new techniques.
Practice belly breathing for a few minutes each day or every other day.
Gradually add in techniques like box breathing or alternate nostril breathing.
Find a practitioner who can help guide you or give you support. Look for a breathwork practitioner at a yoga studio or online!
Do you know some Breathwork techniques?
Yes, Breathwork is a powerful tool that can help to bring a sense of calm and clarity to your daily life.
It is an especially useful tool to use before speaking in public, giving a presentation, doing an interview, or having a tough conversation, as it can help you to stay focused and composed. Breathwork can be used in any setting, so you can use it wherever you are.
Take your time and try these 5 practices, to see which one resonates with you the most.
Box Breathing: This technique involves breathing in during 4 seconds, holding your breathe for 4 seconds, breathing out for 4 seconds, and holding for another 4 seconds before repeating the cycle.
Alternate Nostril Breathing: This technique involves closing one nostril and inhaling through the other nostril for a count of four, closing both nostrils and holding for a count of four, then exhaling through the other nostril for a count of four, and holding for a count of four before repeating the cycle.
Humming Bee Breath: This technique involves inhaling deeply through the nose, and then exhaling while making a humming sound. This helps to reduce stress and anxiety, and can also help to boost energy.
Lion’s Breath: This technique involves taking in a deep breath through the nose, sticking out the tongue, and then exhaling forcefully while making a lion-like sound. This technique can help to reduce stress and tension, and can also help to improve digestion and circulation.
Belly Breathing: This technique involves placing one hand on the chest and one hand on the belly. While inhaling, focus on feeling the breath in the belly, and while exhaling focus on feeling the breath in the chest.
It is important to know that there are many other different techniques of Breathwork. So find one that works for you and try it!
Breathwork may also not be suitable for those who experience shortness of breath, anxiety, panic attacks, or have heart conditions. So please practice mindfully, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions.
Take a minute or two, each day, to just be present and breathe!
A Tweet:
A Tool:
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