In today’s world, we’re all living on the fast track—our minds race, our hearts pound, and whether we notice it or not, our breath follows suit. It’s rapid, shallow, and often from the chest. But: our breath was never meant to be this way. Breathing low, slow, and less can actually be a powerful remedy for the imbalances and stresses of modern life.

First, let’s talk about breathing low. Low breathing means drawing the breath deep into the belly, allowing the diaphragm to fully expand and contract. This approach not only fills the lungs more completely but activates the diaphragm, which gently massages our internal organs and stimulates the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve, responsible for activating our ‘rest and digest’ system, helps calm our minds, reduce anxiety, and lowers stress hormones. Breathing low puts us in a state of balance—both mentally and physically.

Next, breathing slow. When we slow down our breath, we’re telling our body and mind, ‘It’s okay; you’re safe.’ Slow breathing promotes heart-rate variability, a crucial indicator of our resilience to stress. Slow breathing also gives us more time to absorb oxygen while allowing carbon dioxide levels to rise just a bit, which is actually beneficial. This increase in CO2 encourages blood vessels to dilate, enhancing oxygen delivery to our brain, heart, and muscles. It’s like giving our body a little more of the life force it needs, but in the most efficient way possible.

And lastly, breathing less. It may seem counterintuitive at first, but by practicing a gentler, softer breath, we prevent over-breathing and bring our body back into harmony. When we take in more air than we need, we end up lowering our CO2 levels too much, which can actually restrict blood flow to the brain. By breathing less, we achieve a balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide, allowing our cells to absorb oxygen more efficiently. With this, we reduce symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and even stress-related conditions.

Breathing low, slow, and less is an invitation to reconnect with our natural breath—a breath that aligns us with our innate healing potential. It enhances mental clarity, improves energy, and builds resilience to stress, all while cultivating a deeper sense of peace and presence.

Our breath is the bridge between mind, body, and spirit. Let’s breathe with intention, live with purpose, and let this breath-centred approach be a pathway to better health, resilience, and joy.