Learn more about breathwork and mindfulness…

  • Breathwork and mindfulness practices are techniques that use intentional breathing and present-moment awareness to regulate the nervous system and improve emotional well-being. Breathwork involves specific breathing patterns that can calm the body or increase energy, while mindfulness focuses on observing thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment. Together, they help reduce stress, improve focus, and support overall mental and physical resilience.

  • Breathwork and mindfulness influence the nervous system by activating the parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” response, lowering stress hormones like cortisol, and improving heart-rate variability—an indicator of emotional regulation. Research shows that mindful attention and slow, controlled breathing can change patterns of brain activity in areas linked to focus, emotion regulation, and self-awareness. Together, these practices strengthen pathways involved in resilience, reduce reactivity, and support overall mental and physical health.

  • Breathwork and mindfulness practices are especially helpful for individuals experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, or difficulty regulating emotions. They can also benefit people seeking greater focus, emotional resilience, or improved overall well-being. Essentially, anyone looking to calm the nervous system, increase self-awareness, and build mental and physical resilience may gain from these practices.

  • A good breathwork or mindfulness teacher should be properly trained and certified in their modality and have experience guiding individuals safely through practices. They should provide clear instruction, emphasize safety, and create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Look for someone who can adapt practices to individual needs, integrate trauma‑informed principles, and encourage consistent practice and reflection. Credible certifications may come from organizations such as International Breathwork Foundation (IBF), Transformational Breath Foundation, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher training through the University of Massachusetts Medical School, or the Center for Mindfulness.