Surprising results from something you do daily

I’m going to let you in on a little secret that might be a big surprise… but it has an impact on almost everything.

The way you breathe matters!

I used to roll my eyes when people talked about the importance of breathing for your digestion, your workouts, sleep, and on and on…

How could something so simple and automatic matter so much?

But once I started paying attention to how I breathe (specifically nostril breathing and belly breathing), it made a huge difference for me. I think it might for you, too.

Here’s why:

When you breathe through your mouth or breathe shallowly, it puts your body into a low-level state of stress.

Most people don’t even realize this is happening, which means it can sneakily drain your energy, affect your posture, raise your stress, slow your recovery, and even impact your sleep and digestion.

The good news is that you can get in synch with your breathing in just a couple of minutes a day, and the payoffs are totally worth it.

How to put it into action…

Here are two quick drills you can use to help retrain your breathing patterns. Choose whichever one feels easiest.

While you’re doing these drills, notice any areas that feel tense, tight, or like they are “on guard” against the world.

Option 1: The 4-second nose-breathing break

• Sit or stand comfortably

• Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds

• Exhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds

• Continue for 1 to 2 minutes

This helps calm your nervous system and encourages deeper, more efficient breathing.

Option 2: The hand-on-belly check-in

• Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly

• Inhale through your nose and see if you can get the belly to rise first

• Exhale slowly and let the shoulders relax

• Continue for 1 to 2 minutes

This helps you shift from upper-chest breathing to true diaphragmatic breathing, which helps your body’s calming “rest and digest” nervous system to kick in.

Take two minutes today to check in with your breathing. Choose one of the drills above and repeat it once per day this week.

You may be surprised by how quickly your body responds!

P.S. Want help finding ways to make your healthy habits one of the most enjoyable parts of your life? That’s my goal with all of my 1:1 clients. I can help you transform your body in just a few weeks without overhauling your life.

See all the details here.