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Yoga, Breathwork, and Somatic Healing for Modern Life

Changing Your Breathing Habits: The Ultimate Game Changer

Writer's picture: Isaac MullinsIsaac Mullins


Changing your breathing habits is an absolute game changer. Even after twenty years of practising yoga and pranayama, I discovered that I wasn’t breathing optimally. My breath wasn’t supporting my physical and mental health in the way it could. That realisation changed everything.


Breathing is something we do unconsciously, day in and day out. But just because it happens automatically doesn’t mean we’re doing it right. In fact, many of us are breathing in ways that compromise our health, energy, and focus.


The truth is, focusing on your breath is never a waste of time. It’s the foundation of your well-being. Whether you’re new to yoga or have been practising for decades, there’s always something to refine and rediscover in how you breathe.


When we start paying attention to the breath—not just its mechanics, but its subtleties—it transforms from an unconscious process into a deeply pleasurable experience.
When we start paying attention to the breath—not just its mechanics, but its subtleties—it transforms from an unconscious process into a deeply pleasurable experience.


Why Breathing Matters More Than You Think

Your breath is the most accessible tool you have for regulating your body and mind. It directly impacts your nervous system, cardiovascular health, and even your emotional state. Yet most of us have fallen into dysfunctional breathing habits without realising it.


Mouth breathing, shallow chest breathing, and over-breathing are common issues. They disrupt the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body, strain the nervous system, and leave us feeling tired, stressed, and unwell.


Shifting to functional breathing—especially nasal breathing—restores this balance. It’s a small change that creates ripple effects across your entire body.


The Science of Better Breathing

Modern research backs what ancient yogic traditions have taught for centuries. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine highlights how nasal breathing boosts nitric oxide production, improving oxygen delivery and circulation. This directly supports cardiovascular health and energy regulation.


Another study found that proper diaphragmatic breathing lowers cortisol levels, reducing stress and enhancing focus. These findings show us that how we breathe isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about thriving.


Breathing as a Source of Pleasure

When we start paying attention to the breath—not just its mechanics, but its subtleties—it transforms from an unconscious process into a deeply pleasurable experience.


The nuances of your breath, the cool sensation as air enters your nose, the gentle warmth as it leaves, the rise and fall of your chest—these details anchor you in the present moment. The more you tune into these subtleties, the more you realise how calming, energising, and even joyful breathing can be.


Breathing isn’t just functional; it’s meditative. It’s a way to connect with your body and cultivate inner peace. With consistent practice, every breath becomes an opportunity to ground yourself and savour the simple act of being alive.


How to Start Optimising Your Breath

Focusing on your breathing doesn’t require hours of effort. It begins with small, mindful shifts:

  1. Close your mouth. Nasal breathing is your natural, optimal way of breathing. It filters, humidifies, and regulates the air you take in, protecting your lungs and boosting oxygen efficiency.


  2. Slow it down. Aim for fewer than 10 breaths per minute when at rest. Slower, deeper breaths calm your nervous system and improve oxygen delivery.


  3. Practise equal breathing (Sama Vritti). Inhale for four counts, exhale for four counts. This simple practice is powerful—it balances your breath, restores functionality, and invites calm.


Why Breathwork Is Always Worth Your Time

Even after years of practice, the breath continues to reveal new insights. It’s never too late to adjust and refine. Every conscious breath you take is an investment in your health—physically, mentally, and emotionally.


And when you truly tune into your breath, it becomes so much more than a functional necessity. It becomes a source of pleasure, grounding, and clarity—a way to connect with yourself on the deepest level.


Work With Me to Transform Your Breath

If you’re ready to explore how functional breathing can optimise your health and well-being, I invite you to join me. Together, we’ll refine your breath and unlock its full potential—bringing clarity, energy, and balance to your life.


Are you ready to make this game-changing shift? Start today.

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