Vibe Care 101: Breathwork

Do you even breathe, bro?

Obviously we all breathe, but how many of us really understand the power of our breath and the ability that it has to transform our state of being? The most classic example is lamaze breathing for childbirth – the most painful thing a body can experience and what is the most common way to prepare for it? BREATHWORK!

We are going to focus on breathwork techniques that can help increase energy levels and reduce anxiety. We’ll explore three breathwork techniques, ranging from beginner to pro, to help you harness the power of your breath.

1. Beginner: Deep Belly Breathing (Diaphragmatic Breathing)

Deep belly breathing is an excellent starting point for anyone new to breathwork. It’s a simple yet effective technique that helps reduce anxiety and increase energy by calming the nervous system. The movement of your diaphragm actually signals to your brain that it is time to transition from fight or flight to rest and digest. Imagine you were in some real danger and running away to safety. As you start to catch your breath you begin to take deeper, diaphragmatic breaths. This means you are entering the recovery phase of your stress response. The problem with chronic stress is that this signal from body to brain is not as clear. So, utilizing this deep diapharagmatic breathing technique is a good way to make sure the signal to calm down is getting sent clearly!

How to Do It:

1. Find a comfortable, quiet space to sit or lie down.
2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.
3. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise as you fill your lungs.
4. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen fall.
5. Continue this rhythmic breathing for a few minutes, focusing on the rise and fall of your abdomen.

2. Intermediate: 4-7-8 Breathing (The Relaxing Breath)

The 4-7-8 breathing technique is a step up from deep belly breathing and can help calm your mind, reduce stress, and boost energy levels.

How to Do It:

1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
2. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose for a count of 4.
3. Hold your breath for a count of 7.
4. Exhale slowly and completely through your mouth for a count of 8.
5. Repeat this cycle at least three times, or as needed, to reduce anxiety and feel more energized.

3. Advanced: Breath of Fire (Kapalabhati)

Breath of Fire is a powerful yogic breathwork technique that can increase energy, focus, and mental clarity. It’s an advanced practice and may take time to master.

How to Do It:

1. Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight.
2. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
3. Begin by forcefully exhaling through your nose, quickly contracting your abdomen.
4. As you release, the inhalation should happen naturally without effort.
5. Continue this rhythmic, rapid breathing pattern, focusing on the forceful exhalations.
6. Start with 30 seconds and gradually work your way up to 1-3 minutes.

Breathwork is a powerful tool for maintaining and elevating your vibe. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, incorporating these techniques into your daily routine can help increase energy levels and reduce anxiety. Start with deep belly breathing, progress to 4-7-8 breathing, and when you’re ready, explore the advanced breath of fire technique to discover the transformative power of your breath. Remember, consistency is key, so make breathwork a regular part of your self-care routine for optimal results.