Couch Talk with Morgan and JJ: Box Breathing and Air Hunger

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Breath is LIFE. Like, literally. So I was so happy when my amazingly talented and super knowledgeable friend Morgan dropped by my office for a couch talk session about breathing. We’ve both noticed clients lately experiencing episodes of shallow, labored breathing and she has some fantastic drills for breathing optimally in the moment and for building a breathing practice. Think of your breath like a muscle. To get stronger we need to exercise it strategically and consistently. 

Why does breathing matter? 

We breathe 20,000-25,000 times a day. Improved breathing promotes better sleep quality, recovery and resilience. It will improve blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the cells and support a vast number of functions of your nervous system. 

What is the optimal way to breathe?

If possible, breathe through your nostrils with lips closed, tongue resting at roof of mouth. 

Why start a practice breathing? 

A breath practice will drive cognitive awareness to breathing mechanics and provides an opportunity for nervous system experience of being in a different physiological state. 

Box Breathing 

In this short video we discuss why breathing matters, basic anatomy of the respiratory pathway, the benefits of a breathing practice and show you a simple but powerful breathing drill anyone can start doing today to improve your breath.

Box Breathing: Four components of breath experienced at identical duration. Complete as many rounds as comfortable. 

  1. Inhale calmly for a count of four.

  2. Hold the breath in for a count of four.

  3. Exhale for a count of four.

  4. Hold the breath out for a count of four.

Air Hunger 

In this short video we discuss air hunger, what it is, why you would want to improve it and how you can begin applying it to your breath practice. 

What is air hunger?

Sensation of feeling “starved of air”.

What are air hunger drills?

An effective solution to train your body's ability to cope with shortness of breath and decrease symptoms caused by hyperventilation.  

Reminders:

  1. The goal of air hunger is not to "win".

  2. The focus is to maintain a level of calm as we near the sensation of needing air.

  3. When we resume nasal breathing, we are trying to calm the nervous system.

DISCLAIMER: THIS VIDEO IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE

This video is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.