What do Facial Aesthetics and Reduced Stress Have in Common? Both can be Achieved through Breathwork!

Let’s start by stating the obvious: breathing is the literal foundation of being alive. But did you know how we breathe can impact the quality of our lives? By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of breathwork. It’s the practice of consciously controlling our breath to influence specific processes in the body, like soothing anxiety or inducing sleep. When I first incorporated breathwork into my daily routine, I didn’t realize how transformative it would be for my overall well-being. In light of Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to highlight a practice that has brought me immediate and long-term relief from daily stressors that can otherwise negatively impact my Mental Health. 

Let me zoom out a little to help us understand the depth of breathwork. Breathing is a function of our autonomic nervous system. Our autonomic nervous system regulates crucial bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and digestion. By intentionally adjusting our breathing patterns, it’s as if we can turn the dial on our autonomic nervous systems. Different techniques target specific results; low, slow breaths will manage our response to stress, while pranayama is a style of breathwork utilized in yoga to increase memory, improve circulation and oxygenate the blood. Regardless of the technique, having this practice in our arsenals is an empowering way to take care our ourselves. 

Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford, is a big advocate of breathwork. His studies show that the way we breathe can be leveraged to transform mood, halt sleep apnea, and improve facial aesthetics and immune function. A favorite technique of his, the physiological sigh, outperformed other methods of mindfulness practices, like meditation, in reducing stress, decreasing heart rate, and improving mood around the clock. The physiological sigh involves drawing a full inhale through the nose, followed by a second, quick nasal inhale before releasing the lungs through the mouth. He suggests repeating this for five minutes at any time of day. Find more of Andrew’s incredible discoveries on his podcast, The Huberman Lab.

Breathwork and meditation are closely intertwined practices. Both exercise states of consciousness and are sometimes used in conjunction, which can be powerful! Because breathwork gives an enhanced sense of control compared to the more passive experience of meditating, some find breathwork easier to get into. Meditation can be intimidating initially, and often, it can feel like it’s not being done “right.” Whichever technique feels best to you, the results are undeniable. If you’re interested in incorporating breathwork or meditation into your routine, I suggest creating a habit around it that you’ll look forward to. Maybe that means doing it in a place that feels good, like a cozy corner of your home or a peaceful spot outdoors. 

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, let's let self-care become a core priority and take the time to explore practices that support every aspect of our health. Breathwork is a powerful tool for cultivating positive mental health and reducing stress, allowing us to form the foundation for overall wellness and enhance the quality of our lives. By integrating this simple practice, we can experience greater clarity, resilience, and inner peace.