The Power of Breathwork: How Breathing Changed My Days.

Have you ever thought about how little we stop to reflect on our breathing? It's funny because, even though it's something we do thousands of times a day, we tend to take it for granted. But let me tell you, when you start exploring the world of breathwork , you realize that there is immense magic hidden in something so simple and essential.

In my case, the journey started with James Nestor’s Breathe . It was like a reality check: I didn’t know how to breathe! Don’t get me wrong, of course I was alive, but I wasn’t breathing in the way that could truly transform my body and mind. After adopting sleeping tape to sleep and experiencing its benefits (you can read more about that in this blog post: Benefits of Covering Your Mouth to Sleep: How Sleeping Tape Can Improve Your Life ), I dove even deeper into the universe of conscious breathing. What I found not only helped me combat anxiety and stress, but it became a daily practice that I now can’t stop.

What is Breathwork ?

Breathwork is basically the conscious practice of controlling your breathing to improve your physical, mental and emotional health. There are different methods and techniques, but they all have one thing in common: they help you reconnect with your body and use breathing as a powerful tool.

Over the years, many cultures have used breathing as part of spiritual or healing practices.

From the pranayama of yoga to the breathing techniques of Buddhist meditation, modern science is now beginning to demonstrate what these traditions already knew: the way we breathe affects everything from our stress levels to the quality of our sleep and our ability to concentrate.

My Experience with Breathwork

When I read James Nestor's book, something clicked for me. I had always suffered from anxiety and chronic stress, and I felt like my body was constantly in "alert mode." That's when I decided to give breathwork a try. I tried several techniques, but the ones that really changed my life were the Wim Hof Method and daily conscious breathing sessions.

The Wim Hof Method

If you're not familiar with it yet, the Wim Hof Method combines three pillars: breathing, exposure to cold (yes, we're talking about ice baths) and mental training. Although the ice baths were a completely separate challenge (you can read about my experience in this blog post: IceBaths: A magical experience of reconnection with your mind and body ) what struck me the most was the breathing technique.

This method involves cycles of deep breaths followed by retentions. At first, I felt like my body was in total shock: taking a deep breath, holding it for a minute, and then slowly releasing it was something completely new to me. But over time, I began to enjoy that feeling of control and calm that came after each session.

My Breathwork Routine

In addition to the Wim Hof Method, I have incorporated a lighter and simpler daily breathwork practice, perfect for the mornings. Here is what my routine is like:

Duration : Only 10-15 minutes upon waking.
Location : I sit in a quiet space, without distractions.
Guided Breathwork: I started breathwork with Sandy, she has a YouTube channel with guided breathing sessions. All of her sessions are amazing but my favorite is this one: 15 Minute Daily Breathing Routine To Raise Your Vibration I Handpan Meditation . I recommend you check out her YouTube channel and find out which of her guided breathing sessions is your favorite.
Breath holding : After each cycle, I hold my breath for a few seconds. This step helped me accept discomfort and find calm in times of stress.

When I finish, I feel like I have “reset” my system. My mind is clearer, my body is more awake, and I have energy that lasts all day.

Benefits I Have Noticed

Since I started practicing breathwork , I have experienced significant changes, both physically and emotionally:

Anxiety Reduction : It's amazing how a few minutes of conscious breathing can calm my mind and lower my stress levels.
More energy : I don't need as much coffee; my mornings start with a burst of vitality.
Connection with myself : This daily moment is my little ritual, a way to start the day with intention and presence.
Better focus : My days are more productive because my mind is focused from the start.
Increased resilience : Learning to manage the discomfort of holding my breath has helped me better deal with difficult situations in my daily life.

How to Start with Breathwork ?

If you are interested in trying this practice, here is a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:

Find a quiet space : Find a place where you can sit comfortably without interruptions.
Choose a technique : You can start with deep, controlled breathing (for example, inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6).
Be consistent : Dedicate about 10 minutes a day to practice. The key is to make it a habit.
Listen to your body : If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, reduce the intensity. It is a gradual process.
Explore more techniques : Investigate methods like Wim Hof or try guided meditations like those from Breathe With Sandy to take your practice to the next level.

Final Reflection

Breathing is something we do without thinking, but when we do it consciously, it can change our lives. For me, breathwork has become an essential tool to keep my mental, emotional and physical health in balance. It is my little moment of the day to connect with myself and remind myself that breathing is not just an automatic act, it is a gift.

Do you dare to try it? Take a deep breath, take the first step and discover how something so simple can transform your life.

I hope this post inspires you to give breathwork a try and discover the power of your own breathing. 🌬✨ Let me know how it goes!