Written by Frances Smith, patient access specialist
Summary
Potential benefits of breathwork include:
- Breathwork supports growth in all 8 dimensions of wellness at once.
- Breathwork has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce stress and anxiety by promoting feelings of calm and relaxation.
- Certain types of breathwork, such as the Wim Hof Method, have been shown to increase immune function by reducing inflammation and activating immune cells.
- Breathwork can have immediate effects on the body and mind. Deep breathing, for example, can quickly lower heart rate and blood pressure.
- Some types of breathwork, such as holotropic breathwork, can promote emotional release and healing by allowing individuals to access deep, unconscious parts of their psyche.
Importance of Prioritizing Wellness
We should all strive to create a deeper sense of wellness within our lives. Wellness advances more than just the person. Prioritizing wellness can have significant benefits for individuals, communities, and society. What does creating a deeper sense of wellness mean in a practical way? In our last blog, we discovered what it looks like from a whole-person perspective through the 8 dimensions of wellness.
We learned that each dimension (physical, spiritual, social, intellectual, emotional, occupational, environmental, and financial) is interconnected and affect one another. In order to have an overall sense of wellness, we should aim to be balanced in all 8 dimensions. This can be achieved by strategically working to improve one or two dimensions at a time. This can seem like a lot of work at first, but it doesn’t have to be. As an encouragement to continue sinking deeper into our wellness journeys, I would like to share a foundational tool that we can use intentionally to help enhance each dimension of wellness all at once. The best part is this tool is that it’s free!
Introduction to Breathwork
Are you curious as to what this free tool is yet? Some of you have probably already guessed, it’s breath! More specifically, breathwork. Perhaps you’re wondering how we can improve all 8 dimensions of wellness with breath if it’s something we’re already using every day? You’d be surprised at how often we breathe incorrectly, shallowly, or don’t return to our breath when we need to calm our nervous systems the most.
Breathwork refers to any intentional practice that involves manipulating the breath to improve physical, mental, or emotional well-being. There are many different types of breathwork practices, each with its unique techniques and goals. Some common types of breathwork include pranayama, holotropic breathwork, the Wim Hof Method, box breathing, and alternate nostril breathing. Individuals can choose the type of breathwork that best suits their needs and preferences.
How Breathwork Can Improve Each Wellness Dimension:
- Physical wellness: Breathwork improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress, and boosts immune function. Certain types of breathwork, such as pranayama in yoga, can also help improve lung function and increase oxygenation in the body.
- Emotional wellness: Breathwork promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and helps individuals process emotions. Some types of breathwork, such as holotropic breathwork, are specifically designed to help individuals access and process deep emotions.
- Intellectual wellness: Breathwork improves concentration and mental clarity. Deep breathing exercises, for example, can help clear the mind and improve focus.
- Spiritual wellness: Breathwork promotes mindfulness and helping individuals connect with their inner selves. Certain types of breathwork, such as pranayama and meditation, are often used as spiritual practices.
- Social wellness: Breathwork promotes feelings of calm and relaxation, which can improve social interactions. Additionally, some types of breathwork, such as group breathwork sessions, can be done with others and promote social connection.
- Environmental wellness: Breathwork promotes awareness of the breath and encouraging individuals to connect with the natural environment. Some types of breathwork, such as outdoor breathing exercises, can also be done in nature.
- Occupational wellness: Breathwork reduces stress and promoting mental clarity, which can improve work performance. Additionally, some workplaces offer mindfulness and breathwork programs as part of employee wellness initiatives.
- Financial wellness: While breathwork may not directly impact financial wellness, it indirectly supports it by reducing stress and improving overall well-being. By reducing stress, individuals may be better equipped to manage financial challenges and make sound financial decisions.
Using Breathwork in Everyday Life
Overall, breathwork is a great foundational practice for our well-being because it is accessible, adaptable, and can have both immediate and long-term benefits. Breathwork is an important tool in wellness because it has been shown to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. It supports all 8 dimensions of wellness by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, improving mental clarity, and helping individuals connect with their inner selves and the natural environment.
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