Breathwork: A Simple Way to Reconnect with Your Body and Mind

Breathwork has become increasingly popular over the last few years, and more and more people are discovering its powerful benefits! Right now, I invite you to take an intentional breath: inhale slowly through your nose, feel your belly rise and chest expand, then exhale slowly through your mouth, as if you’re blowing out candles on a birthday cake.
 
So, What Is Breathwork?
Breathwork is the practice of consciously using the breath to bring about a deep sense of presence in the body. It helps to slow your thoughts (or even stop them entirely) and brings you into awareness of your physiological, psychological, and emotional states.
But it’s not just about activating the breath; it's also about learning how to slow it down and use it in a positive way. In our everyday lives, we tend to take too many breaths per minute, triggering a constant stress response in both the body and mind.
 
Did you know that we’re meant to take just 6 breaths per minute, and ideally, they should all be taken in and out through the nose. That’s a challenge when we’re talking, eating, or drinking, right? 😊 Next time you find yourself waiting for an elevator, instead of pulling out your phone, try standing still and taking 6 slow breaths in and out of your nose—inhale for 5 seconds, exhale for 5 seconds. Notice what you feel. Do you feel calmer? More centred in your body? Slower, more present?
 
Breathwork offers an immediate and effective way to connect with your emotions and body. It can be tailored to serve various needs—whether that’s relaxation, stress relief, increased energy, or even personal breakthroughs. Because of its versatility, it’s a perfect complement to meditation and other wellness practices.
There’s a breath exercise for whatever you might need!
And here’s the thing: it’s not as “woo-woo” as it may sound. After all, we all breathe, right? Yet, nobody really teaches us how to do it consciously!
We enter the world with our first breath, and we leave with our last. But in between, many of us unknowingly hold our breath or breathe inefficiently. This can cause us to store emotions and energy in the body, which, if left unprocessed, can linger and affect our well-being.
 
When we breathe more effectively, we become more present in our bodies, allowing us to process thoughts and emotions with greater clarity. In turn, this helps us make better decisions and feel more balanced overall.
 
A Simple Technique to Slow Down:
Here’s one of my favourite breath techniques to help you slow down, especially if you’re feeling tightness in your chest, experiencing anxiety, struggling to sleep, or just feeling rushed:

1. Close your eyes.
2. Breathe in for a count of 6 through your nose.
3. Exhale slowly for a count of 6 through your mouth.
4. Repeat 6 times, feeling your belly rise as you inhale and fall as you exhale.

 
The next time you feel frustrated, anxious, or in a rush, remember to take a deep breath and smile. Doing both can help raise your oxytocin levels, which may support you in feeling calmer and more emotionally balanced.
 
I encourage my clients who struggle to meditate to do a breath exercise, as they focus on counting their breaths and the overall technique which in turn slows down their thoughts or completely stops them in their tracks as they are completely focused on their breath.
 
If you have the ability to observe your mind and thoughts, then you are breathing and in body which is ultimately the goal of life!
 
Author
Jules Cachia is a Sydney-based Transformative Coach specialising in breathwork, motivational strategies for life and business, sports performance, reiki, and somatic body therapy. Through her unique approach, she helps clients cultivate self-awareness, grounded presence, and meaningful personal growth by empowering them to connect deeply with their breath. Driven by a passion to help individuals reconnect with their bodies, Jules teaches clients to harness the power of conscious breathing to create space for emotional expansion, healing, and authentic happiness.
 
You can book her in by emailing her [email protected]
 
Attend her weekly breathwork class at AP PILATES in Randwick on Thursdays at 730pm.