Breathing. It’s something we do without thinking, a fundamental part of being alive. But have you ever considered the importance of breathing correctly?

There is an increasing body of evidence that tells us about the damaging effect of breathing incorrectly and the positive impact of learning to breathe well. Authors such as Oliver James and James Nestor are making this information more accessible.  

The way we breathe can have a profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Physical Health

First and foremost, correct breathing is essential for our physical health. When we breathe deeply and fully, we send a rich supply of oxygen to our organs, tissues, and cells. This supports their optimal function and helps us feel energised and alive.

On the other hand, shallow, quick breaths deprive our bodies of this vital oxygen, leading to fatigue and reduced vitality.

Mental and Emotional Health

But correct breathing does not stop at the physical benefits. It also plays a crucial role in our mental and emotional well-being. The ancient practice of mindfulness teaches us to focus on the present moment, and one of the key tools used in this practice is conscious breathing. By paying attention to our breath, we ground ourselves in the present, letting go of worries about the past or future. This simple act can bring about a deep sense of calm and help reduce stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Deep breathing is a powerful tool for managing our emotions. When we are stressed, our breath becomes shallow and rapid, triggering the fight-or-flight response in our bodies. By consciously slowing down our breath and taking deep, slow inhalations, we activate the relaxation response, calming our nervous system and allowing us to respond to challenges with greater clarity and composure.

Performance

Correct breathing can also enhance our performance. Athletes and performers alike understand the importance of proper breathing techniques to optimise their performance. By learning to breathe deeply and rhythmically, they increase their oxygen intake, improve stamina, and maintain focus under pressure.

We can translate this into our performance at work too. By monitoring, increasing our awareness and actively regulating our breathing, we can take control of our stress response and bring our body into balance, helping us be more resilient and maintain our focus when it matters most.

Simple Techniques

So, how can we cultivate good quality breathing? One of the simplest and most effective approaches is diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing. This technique involves breathing deeply into the diaphragm, allowing the belly to expand on inhalation and contract on exhalation. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing for just a few minutes each day can have tremendous benefits for our overall well-being.

Conclusion

To sum up, the significance of breathing correctly cannot be overstated. From boosting physical health to improving mental clarity and emotional resilience, proper breathing is an essential tool in our quest for a balanced and fulfilling life. So why not take a moment right now to pause, close your eyes, and take a deep, nourishing breath? You might be pleasantly surprised by the transformative power that lies within your very own breath.

If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in our Breath Awareness Workshop for organisations. In this workshop, we introduce some of the problems we can experience with breathing and then we conduct two simple tests so participants can learn how they personally breathe. With this information, we can enjoy three guided breathing practices, the first from mindfulness, the second a controlled breathing exercise and the third, an ancient Pranayama from yoga. We can then consider how these practices might support us in breathing better and we end the session with a lovely, guided meditation for calmness.

This workshop is available in a 1-hour or 2-hour format, either online or in person. The 2-hour format provides more time to go deeper with the practices, more time for reflection and discussion, and time to consider how to implement the learning at work and in life.