Have you ever noticed how your breath changes when you’re stressed?
For me, it shows up as short, shallow breaths in my chest, like I can’t quite get enough air. The first time it happened, I thought something was seriously wrong with me. Later, I learned that this is exactly what happens when our body goes into anxiety or panic mode: the breath mirrors the stress we feel inside.
I discovered breathwork at a time when I needed it most. A friend had invited me to a class shortly after I went through a breakup. She told me, “You’ll probably cry.” I remember laughing and saying, “Perfect, I could use a good cry.” But what actually happened shocked me. Within minutes of starting the practice, I burst out into uncontrollable laughter. It was euphoric, like a drug, except the only thing fueling it was my own breath. I left that class feeling lighter than I had in weeks.
A few days later, I had a panic attack. It was only the second one I’d ever experienced, and it felt terrifying. My breath was shallow and fast, my chest was tight, and I honestly thought I might be having a heart attack. Then I remembered breathwork. I laid down on my bedroom floor, put on some music, and started the rhythmic, connected breathing I’d learned.
At first, all I could feel was the panic. But instead of resisting it, I kept breathing. My body shook, I cried, and I let myself feel everything. After about half an hour, something shifted. My body softened. My mind calmed. And I ended the session in a state of peace I’d never experienced before. The calm stayed with me for days, not just hours. That’s when I knew that there was something truly powerful here.
Why Breathwork Works
What I didn’t realize at the time was that breathwork was helping my body complete its “stress cycle.” When we’re anxious, the nervous system flips into fight-or-flight mode, and the breath becomes shallow to prepare us to run or fight. But oftentimes, the modern-day stress we endure doesn’t give us a way out, we just stay stuck in that heightened state.
Conscious connected breathing interrupts this pattern. By intentionally deepening and connecting the breath, we tell the nervous system this it is safe to complete the stress cycle. This intentionally brings the body further into an activate state, to then intentionally shift the body into the parasympathetic state, the rest and digest state, where healing, calm, and clarity become possible.
Your breath is essentially a remote control for your nervous system. And unlike other coping tools, it’s always with you. The way you breathe is a direct reflection of the state of your nervous system.
Breath as a Bridge to Emotions
Breathwork isn’t just about calming down, though. It can also open the door to emotions we’ve been holding onto.
Sometimes that looks like tears. Other times it’s laughter or a wave of joy. And sometimes, it’s something even more profound. When my grandmother passed away, I did a breathwork session that night to help me process the anticipatory grief I’d been carrying. As I breathed, I felt her presence so vividly at the foot of my bed. In that moment, I knew she had passed. Later, when I rolled over and saw a text from my mother confirming it, I wasn’t surprised. Breathwork had brought me into a state of consciousness where I could feel her one last time and say goodbye. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.
For my clients, the emotional release looks different for everyone, but the common thread is surprise and gratitude. Many tell me, “I didn’t expect to cry,” or, “I didn’t know my body was holding that.” Others describe it as “life changing,” or “like years of therapy without having to talk.”
The Takeaway
When we consciously connect with our breath, we invite our nervous system back into balance. This simple practice can quiet anxiety, soften stress, and create space for clarity. Over time, it builds emotional resilience, helping us feel more grounded, present, and capable of navigating life’s challenges with ease.
For me, breathwork began as a curiosity. It became a lifeline during moments of anxiety, a tool for processing grief, and ultimately a daily practice that I now guide others through. What I love most is its simplicity, there’s no special equipment needed, it’s just your breath.
The breath is always available to you, ready to help you calm anxiety, release tension, and come back home to yourself.
If you’re curious to experience this for yourself, I guide conscious connected breathwork sessions where you can safely explore how the breath moves through your body, calms your mind, and supports you in releasing what no longer serves you. Reach out today to inquire!