Guided Breathwork Practices to Reduce Anxiety

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What to expect

Breathwork is a practice that involves using various breathing techniques to improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being. When it comes to anxiety reduction, breathwork can be a valuable tool for managing and alleviating symptoms. One way in which breathwork helps reduce anxiety is by activating the body’s relaxation response or the parasympathetic nervous system. This activation can counteract the effects of the sympathetic nervous system (“fight/flight”), which is responsible for the body’s stress response. By promoting relaxation, breathwork can help lower heart rate, decrease blood pressure, and reduce muscle tension, all of which can contribute to a sense of calmness and decreased anxiety. Additionally, focusing on the breath can serve as an anchor to the present, diverting attention away from anxious thoughts or future worries. This practice of mindfulness can help individuals break free from rumination and catastrophic thinking, common features of anxiety disorders. Moreover, consistent breathwork practice can improve respiratory function and enhance overall oxygen exchange in the body. Proper oxygenation is essential for optimal brain function, and insufficient oxygen levels can contribute to feelings of unease and heightened anxiety. By improving oxygen levels through intentional breathing practices, individuals may experience reduced anxiety and increased mental clarity.

Dr. Kelly Vincent will guide you through a nourishing and gentle breathwork practice to help reduce anxiety and stress. It is encouraged to engage in this practice repeatedly to help build new neural networks which enhances the brain’s capacity to default to more adaptive coping.

Optional yoga mat and meditation cushion, but no props required!