I used to think mindful breathing was just trendy wellness fluff. “Breathe intentionally? Sure, because that will magically solve all my life problems,” I would scoff. But life has a way of humbling you, and when stress felt like it was taking over, I gave it a shot. To my surprise, focused breathing worked after making the time and making it a daily habit.
Intentional breathing is not about being zen or perfect. Rather, it is about taking control when life feels overwhelming. Gabby Bernstein taught me in a London workshop back in 2017, that slow, deep breaths activate our nervous system, calming our mind and body. From that moment on, while a tad dubious, I gave it a try and was hooked.
For me, this practice was free and practical. When I am stuck in traffic, in a crowded environment, managing challenging moments or need a tiny pause, I take a deep breath: inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for six. This is practice I do in three rounds, sometimes five. At night, instead of doom-scrolling, I spend a few minutes breathing deeply to help me sleep as I rest the body to music or words by Glenda Cedarleaf. This practice is also effective when faced with academic deadlines or when responsibilities pile up, a few rounds of intentional breathing helps me reset and refocus.
The beauty of this practice is that it costs nothing, takes little time, and can be done anywhere. It is not about looking spiritual or subscribing to some trendy lifestyle, it is about giving yourself a moment to pause and regroup.
Intentional breathing is not a magic solution, but it is a small, powerful act of self-care. The practice reminds me that even in chaos, I have the ability to find calm and bliss.
While some may roll their eyes and think this is all mindfulness BS, it is actually a simple act of self-care to help you become your best.
Mindfully curated by Debra Gudema for Well&Co.
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