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Why Breathowork for Nervous System Regulation?



When we are stressed or anxious, our sympathetic nervous system is activated, also known as the "fight or flight" response which causes an increase in heart rate, shallow breathing, and tense muscles. Staying in that state for prolonged periods of time may be detrimental to your health as it can lead to sever alignments in the body.

Breathwork is a powerful tool that can help regulate the nervous system and manage stress levels. By simply changing the pattern of our breathing we can directly affect our nervous system and go into a state of relaxation.

Here are some of the benefits of practicing daily breathwork:

1. Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System: The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's rest and digest response, which promotes relaxation and counteracts the stress response. Deep, slow breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering a relaxation response.


2. Regulation of Stress Hormones: When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Daily breathwork can help regulate the production of these hormones, reducing their impact on your body and mind and promoting a more balanced hormonal state which helps restore equilibrium.


3. Oxygenation and Relaxation: Deep breathing techniques increase the oxygen supply to your body, including your brain. This oxygenation stimulates the relaxation centers in your brain, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility and also helps release muscle tension, further enhancing the relaxation response.


4. Mindful Awareness and Presence: Engaging in daily breathwork requires focused attention and mindful awareness. By bringing your attention to your breath, you bring yourself into the present moment, away from past or future worries. This mindful awareness helps calm the mind, reduce racing thoughts, and promote a state of relaxation.


5. Emotional Regulation: Breathwork techniques can help regulate emotions by activating the body's relaxation response. When you are stressed or anxious, your breath tends to become shallow and rapid. By consciously slowing down and deepening your breath, you signal to your body that it is safe, reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting emotional balance.


6. Enhanced Body-Mind Connection: Daily breathwork cultivates a deeper connection between your body and mind. By focusing on your breath, you become more attuned to your body's sensations, emotions, and needs. This increased awareness allows you to respond to stressors more effectively and make conscious choices that promote relaxation and well-being.


By incorporating daily breathwork into your routine, you can experience these benefits and create a foundation of resilience and relaxation at work and in your daily life. It is a simple yet effective way to regulate the nervous system and bring the body and mind into a state of relaxation and balance.


Do not take your breath for granted!


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