The benefits of breath work are numerous. So, what exactly is breath work? Breath work is a variety of breathing practices and techniques used to improve physical and mental well-being. If you’re looking to take your self-care to the next level, consider including breath work into your self-care routine. Here are just a few of the benefits of breath work:
Improved Mental Clarity and Mindfulness
Improved mental clarity and mindfulness are a few of the benefits of breath work. Be honest, do you pay attention to your breathing? If you’re like most of us, you don’t. Breath work requires you pay attention to your breathing. Actually paying attention and focusing on your breathing requires you clear your mind of any other thoughts. Focusing on your breathing also helps you to be more mindful.
Releases Stress and Anxiety
In our stressful, toxic world, who doesn’t need a way to manage stress and anxiety? Breath work also helps release stress and anxiety. There’s something relaxing about focusing and taking deep, slow, repeated breaths. The next time you feel stressed or anxious stop, close your eyes and take a series of deep, slow breaths and see don’t you feel better.
Releases Toxins from the Body
Let’s not ignore the healing properties of breath work. Releasing toxins from the body is one of the best benefits of breath work. Between the toxins our bodies produce and the ones we take in from the air, those toxins need to be released. Deep breathing helps expel those toxins, mainly carbon dioxide, from your body.
If you’re new to breath work and are looking for resources, check out Black Girls Breathing, a safe space for Black women to actively manage their mental health through breath work and community. You can also check them out on the ‘gram at @blackgirlsbreathing.
If you want to try breath work on your own, check out the video below
Do you practice breath work? If so, what benefits have you noticed? If not, would you try it? Drop a comment below.