July 5, 2024
10 min read
In my last post, we explored how sneaky little things...
called limiting beliefs can hold us back from living our fullest lives and building upon the thriving businesses/careers of our dreams. Well, guess what? I've got a secret weapon to share with you today – one that's been a game-changer for me both personally and professionally: breathwork.
Now, I know what you might be thinking...
"Breathwork? Isn't that just, like, breathing?" And yes, while it does involve breathing, it's SO much more than that. This a POWERFUL tool that can transform the way you show up in the world, especially in our fast-paced, demanding society.
If you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just plain exhausted, breathwork can be your lifeline. It's a simple yet profound practice that can melt away tension, sharpen your focus, and ignite your creativity. Whether you're a stylist behind the chair, a makeup artist on set, a manager with a team, breathwork can help you show up as your best self for your clients, your team, and most importantly, yourself.
Let's dive in and explore the incredible benefits of breathwork and learn some easy techniques you can start using today.
Understanding Breathwork: Your Built-In Stress Buster
Okay, let's get one thing straight: breathwork is not just about breathing. Sure, it involves breathing, but it's a whole lot more intentional than the automatic inhales and exhales we do all day long. Think of it like this: your breath is your built-in superpower, a direct line to your nervous system. By consciously controlling it, you can tap into its amazing ability to calm your mind, soothe your body, and shift your perspective.
The science behind this is truly fascinating!
When we're stressed or anxious, our breathing tends to be shallow and rapid, triggering our "fight-or-flight" response. But guess what? You have the power to flip that switch! By practicing specific breathwork techniques, you can activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the "rest and digest" mode—which helps to lower your heart rate, reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), and promote relaxation.
Let's face it, working in the beauty industry (or any service-based field) can be exhilarating, but it can also be downright draining. And that is exactly what drew me to this practice... between the long hours, the demand, and the constant pressure to stay on top of trends, it's been too easy for me to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or even burnt out. I chose not to let these challenges get the best of me and neither should you!
Breathwork is my secret weapon for thriving in this fast-paced world and I am so passionate about sharing it with you, it's like hitting the reset button for your nervous system.
To list out some of the benefits:
- Stress Reduction & Burnout Prevention: When that challenging day throws you off balance or your schedule feels packed to the brim, breathwork can quickly calm your nervous system, lower your heart rate, and bring you back to a place of peace and clarity.
- Improved Focus & Productivity: Ever feel like your mind is racing with a million to-dos? Breathwork can help you anchor into the present moment and realign your focus. Plus, when you're focused, you're more efficient, which means you can create more space in your schedule for the things you truly love.
- Enhanced Creativity & Intuition: Taking the time to experience breathwork can guide you into your creative flow and intuition. It's like clearing the mental clutter to make space for those brilliant ideas and messages to come through.
- Deeper Connection: When you're grounded and centered, you're able to be more present with people in your life. This leads to better communication, deeper trust, and ultimately, a more rewarding experience for all parties.
So, How Does It Work?
- Calming the Nervous System: Somatic Breathwork activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for relaxation and restoration.
- Oxygenating the Body: Deep, conscious breathing increases oxygen flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and reducing stress hormones.
- Shifting Your Mindset: Breathwork can interrupt negative thought patterns, allowing you to cultivate a more positive and empowered perspective.
Ready to experience these benefits for yourself? Let's dive into one of my favorite breathing exercises you can start using right away!
Easy Breathing Exercise to Try Right Now
Okay friends, now that you know how incredible breathwork can be, let's get into a simple breath exercise you can use at home! This can done literally anywhere and anytime to bring a little calm and clarity into your busy life.
4-7-8 Breathing (I like to call this The Cleansing Relaxer)
- How it Works: This simple yet powerful technique is your ticket to instant relaxation. It's particularly helpful for easing anxiety and promoting restful sleep.
- How it's Done:
- Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, just behind your upper front teeth.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whooshing sound.
- Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
- Hold your breath for a count of seven.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, with the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, you should be making a whooshing sound! Exhale for a count of eight.
- This is one cycle. Repeat three more times.
- The Benefits: 4-7-8 can help lower your heart rate, calm your mind, and prepare your body for rest.
Ready to dive deeper into the transformative power of breathwork?
Book a session with me below and experience the magic for yourself!
Book Here
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions by navigating to my FAQ page! I can't wait to support you on your journey to deeper relaxation, clarity, and self-discovery.
xoxo dm ✨🦂🤍