As a busy and loving mom residing in the bustling city of Katy, TX, juggling my responsibilities with three energetic kiddos and volunteering in the classroom, it takes a big commitment to staying active and healthy.
Among the tools I’ve discovered in the relentless pursuit of balance is the transformative practice of breathwork. This discovery couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, with my days resembling whirlwinds of gridlocked school drop-offs and pick-ups, kid’s homework, laundry, food preparation and weekend cycling (when I’m lucky). And, sometimes even precious family moments.
Breathwork, essentially, is the conscious control of breathing to enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This seemingly straightforward practice has improved my daily life, offering a respite of calm amidst the storm, improving my exercise performance, helping create more restful nights, and even alleviating some of my allergy symptoms, believe it or not.
Calm Amidst the Storm
Days with three kids are nothing short of chaotic. The morning hustle to prepare everyone for school can leave me with frayed nerves. But, the day can get even more hectic with appointments, deadlines, all made more difficult by distractions (yes, Instagram).
In these moments, breathwork has been my anchor. Engaging in focused breathing, even for brief periods, provides me with a sense of calm and clarity that is absolutely vital. These practices help me approach each situation with a tranquil mind and steady heart, diffusing tension and fostering a loving and peaceful home environment.
Elevating Workout Performance
An active lifestyle is non-negotiable for me, with cycling being my exercise of choice. However, I’ve also taken a liking to hiking, particularly in areas with high altitudes where the air is thin, and every breath counts.
Incorporating breathwork into my training regimen has had remarkable effects. Through techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and paced breathing, I’ve increased my lung capacity and efficiency. These improvements have been particularly noticeable during strenuous activities, like uphill cycling or hiking at elevation. I can also show off to my kids how long I can hold my breath at the pool, and teach them as well.
Sleep Like a Baby
For many parents, a good night’s sleep is a distant dream. However, since integrating breathwork into my nightly routine, and discovering that Alexa can play amazing sleep sounds, the quality of my rest has drastically improved. Practices like the 4-7-8 technique – where you inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8 – have facilitated a state of deep relaxation, preparing my body and mind for rejuvenating sleep. The Calm app is another great tool to help practice.
This improved sleep quality has been instrumental in navigating my busy days with grace and energy. The difference is unmistakable – I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day’s challenges with a smile.
Breathe Easy During Allergy Season
Living in Texas means contending with a formidable adversary – allergy season. Like clockwork, this time of year would see and hear me sneezing, being congestion, and in general discomfort.
Breathwork has offered unexpected relief in this arena. Through consistent practice, I’ve noticed a strengthening of my respiratory system, with my body becoming more adept at managing allergic reactions. Techniques like alternate nostril breathing have been especially beneficial, helping clear nasal passages and promoting easy breathing even during the height of pollen season.
Wrapping It Up
Balancing the demands of parenthood, work, and personal health is a mammoth task, one that even Mr. Beast can’t fathom. However, the discovery and incorporation of breathwork into my daily life have been pivotal in regaining control over my mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Bending Our Reality, is a comprehensive book which explains more benefits of breathwork.
Through its calming influence, enhanced exercise performance, improved sleep quality, and allergy relief, breathwork has been nothing short of a revelation. With every controlled inhale and exhale, I’m not just breathing; I’m living fully, deeply, and joyously in each moment. And in the relentless hustle of life, that makes all the difference.
This condensed narrative doesn’t do justice to the transformative journey I’ve had with breathwork. Each day offers new insights and benefits, and I’m eager to continue exploring and sharing my experiences with this powerful practice. So, here’s to breathing easy and living fully, no matter what life throws our way!
