The Power of a Slower Breath: Unlocking Calm, Focus, and Energy
April is stress awareness month. Perfect opportunity to learn more about stress so you can change your relationship with stress.
Have you ever noticed how your breathing changes when you’re stressed? Quick, shallow breaths often take over as stress builds. Most people don’t know that this breathing pattern signals your body to stay on high alert. It signals to the body…Danger is imminent!!
But is it?? Or is it an every day stressor that feels triggering? Squeeling tires. A post on social media. The news.
What if you could flip the switch on your triggers—just by slowing down your breath?
When you take fewer, deeper breaths, you unlock a host of benefits for both your mind and body.
The way you breathe affects the way your mind and body functions. In the guarded sympathetic state (fight or flight) or the relaxed parasympathetic state (rest and digest).
Out of all the physiological responses to stress, your breath is the only one you can actively control. When you slow your breathing it resets the nervous system and you will notice
Boosted brainpower: The sympathetic state is characterized by erratic brain patterns and tunnel vision. In the parasympathetic state, brain waves slow and the mind opens to new possibilities.
Slower heart rate: The breath and heart are connected. As the breath slows, the heart follows.
Improved digestion: Sympathetic state, all energy is focus on protection and escape. Blood flow and energy is focused on the heart and breath. Creativity and digestion are put on hold while danger is averted. By slowing the breath and pulling the body into a rest and digest state, you will change how your body is able to process food.
More balanced energy: Gentle, intentional breaths reduce strain on your body, leaving you feeling more refreshed.
The ideal pace? Around 6–10 breaths per minute, with each inhale and exhale lasting 4–7 seconds. It may sound simple, but achieving this relaxed rhythm requires practice, intention, and the right support.
The Art of Building Better Breathing
Changing how you breathe is like learning any new skill: it takes patience, consistency, and the right environment to succeed. One workout isn’t going to make you infinitely stronger. One breathwork class isn’t going to permanently shift your breathing habits. The more sessions you attend, the stronger breather you will become.
When you attend regular breathwork sessions you are teaching your body to breathe properly, no matter what is going on around you. You won’t have to consciously stop to take a breath to calm down. You can teach your body to activate the parasympathetic nervous system at the first sign of stress.
Chances are, you have learned to function with a high level of stress and pressure. Most Americans have. We learned that the way to keep ourselves safe is by being “on” and problem solving all the time. As you commit to your breathwork practice you’ll give your body the chance to practice staying in the parasympathetic state all the time.
While you can start experimenting on your own, guided breathwork sessions and our quarterly Breathwork Mastery Series are the ultimate way to master this life-changing habit.
Why? Because with Rising Phoenix Breathwork you’ll have
Learn and practice proper breathing skills.
Get real-time feedback and support
Develop a routine with expert guidance and support.
Connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
Access to a wide range of immersive breathwork sessions.
Breathing better isn’t just about inhaling and exhaling—it’s about rewiring your patterns and creating space for lasting change. With consistent practice, these techniques will become second nature, reshaping your health and well-being for the better.
Small Changes, Big Impact
One small change can affect your whole life.
Imagine this: You feel calm and centered, even in the face of chaos. You have the focus to tackle your to-do list without overwhelm. You wake up refreshed, ready to embrace the day. All of this starts with your breath.
Breathwork classes aren’t just about learning to breathe; they’re about changing how you live. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve focus, or find more energy, our sessions are here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to take control of your breath and unlock its full potential? Join a class today and start building a skill that will serve you for a lifetime.
Your journey to a healthier, calmer you begins with just one breath—why not make it count?
Begin or continue your breathwork journey. Find a classes that fit your schedule on our class calendar.