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Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling to fall asleep? The 4-7-8 breathing technique is a simple, accessible tool you can use anytime to regain calm and balance. This practice involves a focused pattern of breathing that soothes the nervous system, making it particularly helpful for managing anxiety, improving sleep, and easing nausea or dizziness.  

What is 4-7-8 Breathing?

4-7-8 breathing is a rhythmic technique where you:  

1. Inhale through your nose for **4 seconds**.  
2. Hold your breath for **7 seconds**. 
3. Exhale slowly and fully through your mouth for **8 seconds**.  

Developed by Dr. Andrew Weil and inspired by ancient pranayama practices, this method gently encourages your body to switch from a state of stress (fight-or-flight) to relaxation (rest-and-digest).  

Why It Works

This technique engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for helping the body relax. By slowing down your breathing, you send calming signals to your brain, counteracting the physical and mental symptoms of stress.  

Regular practice of 4-7-8 breathing can help to:  

– Reduce anxiety and promote emotional balance.  
– Support better sleep by calming racing thoughts.  
– Ease nausea and dizziness, particularly helpful for those experiencing hormonal shifts.  
– Improve focus and clarity during stressful situations.  

How to Practice 

Here’s a quick guide to practicing 4-7-8 breathing:  

1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.  
2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly (optional) to connect with your breath.  
3. Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 counts  
4. Hold your breath for 7 counts 
5. Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 counts (breathing through pursed lips helps) 
6. Repeat for 2-4 cycles, or as long as feels good.  

Pro Tip: If you’re new to this practice, you may feel lightheaded at first so consider doing this practice sat down initially.  

Start with fewer cycles and gradually build up as your body adjusts (but you might not need to do many)

Who Can Benefit and When to Use

This technique is a versatile tool for anyone looking to manage stress and improve their well-being. 

It’s particularly helpful:  

– During moments of anxiety or overwhelm.  
– As a night time ritual to support sleep.  
– In response to physical symptoms like nausea or dizziness.  

However, individuals who are pregnant, have unmanaged high or low blood pressure, or certain respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should consult a healthcare provider before practicing.  

Why It’s Helpful During Menopause

For those navigating menopause, 4-7-8 breathing can be a powerful ally. Many experience anxiety, sleep disturbances, and physical discomfort such as dizziness or nausea during this transition.

Incorporating this practice into daily life provides a simple, natural way to find relief and regain a sense of control.  

On a Personal Note

Learning this technique as an apprentice facilitator, it was my least favourite to guide (I’m not the best at counting). However, during a particularly sleepless night, I surrendered and found it highly effective as it had me drifting off within a couple of breaths.

I’ve also been surprised to see how effective this has been for a good few of my menopause clients struggling with vertigo, nausea and the 3am wake ups so I now guide this regularly (I’m still working on the counting).

Final Thoughts

The beauty of 4-7-8 breathing lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It requires no special equipment, can be done discreetly in almost any situation, and brings rapid results when practiced consistently.  

Whether you’re seeking calm during a hectic workday or trying to unwind before bed, this technique is a reliable way to create space for relaxation and balance.  

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of 4-7-8 breathing, check out the accompanying video guide, where I walk you through the technique step by step!

Carly Killen – Discover yourself – one breath at a time

To find out more about Carly, take a look at her profile in Practitioners Corner

Discovering the Strength in Feeling Deeply.

“Through the breath, we find our way back to ourselves – to the wisdom that whispers within, to the strength that lives in our sensitivity, and to the profound truth that we are enough, just as we are.”
— Lottie Evans

For much of my life, I felt like a stranger in my own body. I was out of tune with myself, with my emotions, and with the quiet whispers of my soul. Like many sensitive souls, I learned to mask my true nature, burying my sensitivity under layers of distraction, denial, and numbness. Society taught me that sensitivity is synonymous with weakness, that feeling deeply is something to be “fixed,” and that the way forward was to toughen up, to become someone I was not.

However, the more I tried to escape my sensitivity, the more disconnected, anxious, and overwhelmed I became. Caught in a cycle of self-criticism, I tried to erase parts of myself that were, in fact, my truest essence. My sensitivity, the very thing I sought to deny, called me back time and again, whispering, “Listen.”

It wasn’t until I discovered the breath – the simple, profound act of breathing with awareness – that I began to reconnect with my body and embrace my true nature.

Our breath is one of the most beautiful tools we possess, a constant companion throughout our lives. Yet, how often do we truly pay attention to it? How often do we notice the rhythm, depth, and texture of our breath as it moves through us?

For years, I breathed without thought, taking each inhale and exhale for granted. When I began to focus on my breath – to truly notice it – something incredible happened. I discovered that breath is not merely a physiological process; it is a gateway, a bridge between the body and the mind, the conscious and the unconscious.

By tuning into my breath, I began to hear my body’s wisdom, feel the emotions I had suppressed, and explore my inner landscape. The breath became my tool for understanding energy, soothing myself in moments of overwhelm, and finding clarity amidst confusion.

Through this journey with breath, I began to see my sensitivity as a gift rather than a burden. Sensitivity is not weakness; it is the profound ability to feel deeply, sense the subtleties of life, and connect with others on an emotional level. It is a strength, a superpower that allows us to live fully and experience the richness of being human.

For too long, I believed that being sensitive made me fragile and that my emotions were burdens to be managed or controlled. The breath taught me otherwise. It showed me that sensitivity, when embraced, is a source of wisdom, creativity, and deep connection.

The breath serves as an ally in helping us harness our sensitivity and acknowledge it as a strength.

The breath brings us back into our bodies. When we are sensitive, we often pick up on various external stimuli and can lose touch with our needs and feelings. The breath grounds us, reminding us to check in with ourselves. It allows us to notice where we hold tension, discomfort, or ease, fostering a direct conversation with our bodies.

Sensitivity often accompanies a highly active mind, constantly processing and analysing. When overwhelmed by thoughts or emotions, breath can anchor us. By focusing on the rhythm of inhale and exhale, we settle our minds, creating calm amidst chaos. Deep, slow breathing sends signals to our nervous system that it is safe to relax and be present.

Our breath is intricately connected to our energy. Shallow breathing restricts the flow of energy in our bodies, while deep, full breathing allows it to move freely. The breath helps us tune into our energetic state, guiding us to notice where we feel depleted or vibrant. By working with the breath, we can balance our energy, nourish ourselves, and ground ourselves when scattered.

For me, discovering the breath was like finding a hidden key to myself. It was a way back to my true nature, a way to listen to the parts I had tried to ignore. Through the breath, I learned that I don’t need to fight my sensitivity or change it. Instead, I need to embrace and honour it as my guide.
Sensitivity is not something to be “fixed.” It is a gift, allowing us to feel deeply, connect authentically, create passionately, and love fully. It is a source of strength, resilience, and empathy that can guide us through life’s challenges.

If you’ve ever felt that your sensitivity is a burden or tried to hide your emotions, I invite you to return to the breath. Let it be your guide. Start by taking a few moments each day to breathe with awareness. Notice the rise and fall of your chest, the cool air entering your nostrils, and the warmth as it leaves. Feel the rhythm of life connecting you to something greater. In this simple act, you honour the fullness of who you are.

Our sensitivity is a gift, and the breath is one of the most beautiful tools we have to harness it. Through breath, we learn to listen to our bodies, soothe our minds, understand our energy, and embrace our true nature.

Let’s stop seeing sensitivity as something to hide. Instead, let’s acknowledge it as the profound strength it is. Let’s use the breath to connect more deeply with ourselves, find peace in the present moment, and live with greater authenticity, compassion, and love.

Because when we breathe with awareness, we return home to ourselves – and in that space, everything is possible.

Remember, you are not alone on this path. Together, we can transform our sensitivity into our greatest strength, breathing life into our true selves, and celebrating the beauty of feeling deeply.

Naturally Lottie – Your HSP Hype Girl

To find out more about Lottie, take a look at her profile in Practitioners Corner

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, finding moments of true peace and clarity can be rare. At least that’s how I’ve felt for most of my life. My brain is often so busy that I can use the wrong words in a conversation because I’ve got so far ahead of myself that my voice can’t keep up with the chatter in my mind.

I tried so many things – reading, meditation, yoga, walking, music – but nothing really worked long term. I might get five minutes of distraction or hyper focus, but then my mind would start chattering again. And it was so frustrating! Where was this quiet, calm space in my mind that everyone has and I just couldn’t access?

It wasn’t until I found breathwork in 2022 that I understood I’d been going about it all wrong. I realised that I’d been trying to do something I didn’t have the skills for yet – jumping way ahead of myself instead of starting at the beginning. Five minutes of quiet mind space with no brain chatter is actually really hard without the “training” that leads up to it. And those people that can do it have been doing it a really long time!

Finding moments of daily clarity was the starting point for me. Because the mental quiet was so alien to me, my brain was finding ways to keep the noise going – it literally didn’t know what to do with the quiet, peaceful space. So just learning to stop, close my eyes and focus on taking a breath was so simple, yet so profound.

And as cliche as it sounds – it changed my life.

A simple breath can bring me out of the mental chatter and back into my body with very little effort. And over time, I’ve learned to lengthen those initial few seconds and sit with the quiet. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t – I have to keep reminding myself that I’m undoing a lifetime of chatter and it’s not the end of the world if I don’t get longer than a few seconds. What matters the most is that I take that conscious breath, and another, and another, and keep the momentum going.

The simple effectiveness of this snared my interest – if this worked for me, then what else was I missing? And of course, it wasn’t enough to just learn the techniques, I wanted the full on journey of learning for myself and then to take it out into the world. I was already a coach, so adding another string to my bow was a no brainer!

Over the course of the last year, during my breathwork facilitator training, I have learned so much more than I ever thought I could. More techniques, more clarity, and more personal development journey than I ever expected.

Learning to breathe consciously was the biggest game changer for me. Breath is the only automatic bodily function we can consciously control and it can significantly affect our emotional state. So learning to wield it as a tool as well as it being the thing that keeps us alive, is about the most useful thing we can ever do for ourselves.

I use breathwork every day for myself – keeping the simple breath, but also using coherence breathing to slow down, or even just noticing my breath pattern and changing it consciously so it supports me rather than running away with my emotions.

Every time I dive into breathwork for myself, whether I’m doing it solo or it’s being guided by someone else, it always feels like a fresh experience. It could be something as straightforward as a box breath to regulate my system, or a more intense conscious connected breath that brings about real energy shifts. Especially if you are being led by someone else – them holding space for you to grow and change feels so nurturing. And it’s an experience we often miss out on in adult life.

Because facilitating breathwork for someone else is always an honour – that person is putting their trust in me, allowing me to direct them into changing the very thing that keeps them alive. And even if it feels edgy or uncomfortable at the time, the after effects will always be the thing they need. The breath is clever like that!

And no matter the technique, breathwork is a seriously powerful practice. One that shouldn’t be underestimated, but one that we all should be taking seriously as a part of our everyday lives.

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend just stopping, closing your eyes and taking a breath. One single breath. And see how you feel after. And if it feels good, take another. Then find the moments in your day where you can use it.

Taking a breath with you now.

Laura

To find out more about Laura, take a look at her profile in Practitioners Corner

I would say I am a living example of how it can! When practiced consistently and alongside other supportive methods, which are dependant upon the individual. I needed rest and the space to explore previously unlooked at emotions and cPTSD trauma, so breathwork and meditation, along with a programme of self development and learning really helped.

Breathwork shows promise in helping manage symptoms of depression:

  • Stress reduction: By lowering cortisol levels, breathwork can help alleviate stress-induced depressive symptoms.
  • Mood regulation: Certain techniques may help balance neurotransmitters associated with mood.
  • Increased oxygenation: Better oxygen flow to the brain can potentially improve mood and cognitive function.
  • Mindfulness promotion: Focusing on breath can help break cycles of negative thoughts.
  • Autonomic nervous system balance: This can help regulate emotional responses.
  • Sleep improvement: Better sleep quality, often resulting from breathwork, can positively impact depression.
  • Physical activity: Some breathwork practices involve gentle movement, which can be beneficial for depression.
  • Self-empowerment: Having a tool to manage symptoms can provide a sense of control.
  • Potential for neuroplasticity: Regular practice may support brain changes that could help with depression.

While research is ongoing, some studies have shown positive results. However, breathwork should not replace professional mental health treatment. It’s best used as part of a comprehensive approach to managing depression, ideally under the guidance of a mental health professional.

While more research is needed, there is growing scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of various breathwork techniques:

  1. Stress reduction: Multiple studies show breathwork can lower cortisol levels and reduce perceived stress.
  2. Anxiety management: Research indicates certain breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.
  3. Blood pressure regulation: Some studies demonstrate breathwork’s ability to lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
  4. Pain management: Evidence suggests breathwork can be effective in managing both acute and chronic pain.
  5. Cognitive function: Research shows certain breathing exercises can improve attention and working memory.
  6. Emotional regulation: Studies indicate breathwork can help in managing emotions and mood disorders.
  7. Sleep improvement: Some research supports the use of breathwork for better sleep quality.
  8. PTSD treatment: Certain breathing techniques show promise as complementary treatments for PTSD.

While many studies show positive results, it’s important to note that the quality and quantity of research varies depending on the specific technique and application. Some practices have more robust scientific backing than others. Additionally, individual responses can vary. Overall, while breathwork shows promise in many areas, more large-scale, controlled studies are needed to fully understand its effects and optimal applications.

Yes, breathwork can be highly effective in managing anxiety and stress. Its effectiveness stems from its direct impact on the autonomic nervous system:

  1. Activates relaxation response: Deep, slow breathing triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, countering the “fight or flight” stress response.
  2. Reduces cortisol levels: Regular practice can lower the stress hormone cortisol.
  3. Improves heart rate variability: This indicates better stress resilience.
  4. Provides a focus point: Concentrating on breath can break cycles of anxious thoughts.
  5. Increases oxygenation: Better oxygen flow can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.
  6. Promotes mindfulness: Breathwork encourages present-moment awareness, reducing worry about future or past.
  7. Offers a sense of control: Having a tool to manage symptoms can itself reduce anxiety.
  8. Releases muscle tension: Certain techniques help relax tense muscles associated with stress.

Techniques like 4-7-8 breathing or box breathing are particularly useful for immediate anxiety relief. For long-term stress management, consistent practice of various techniques can build resilience and coping skills.

What do you enjoy about breathwork and how has it helped you?

The breath is everything. This simple statement spoken by the amazing founder of this space, has taken on so many meanings, from the obvious, we cannot survive without it, to the exponential transformational potential in each breath. So the truth in this moment, is the breath really is everything. I have walked a path of many truths, some old, some new, some rediscovered, some lost forever. the breath is woven so intimately, so integrally through my life now that i do not imagine a time without it. It has been a shelter, a sanctuary where i can rest from the storms in my life. It has allowed me to rise into the sky and beyond.
Creating a collection of poetry inspired by my experiences with breathwork was a wonderful way to channel and express newfound insights and emotions. Poetry can be a powerful medium for capturing the essence of inner experiences and transformations. As I embarked on my journey with the breath, I allowed the words to flow freely, letting them express the depth of my experiences and the richness of my inner world. I built up a trust in my intuition and the creative process. Allowing it to guide me to explore themes, emotions, and imagery that resonate with my breathwork journey. My writings are not just about the final product but also about the process of self-expression and discovery. Allowing myself to be vulnerable and authentic in my writing provided a supportive and safe space for me to feel into these vulnerabilities. Safety and security are recurring themes I have been working on, as I walk my own path towards wholeness through healing.
If I ever feel stuck or uncertain, I return to my breathwork practice, as this will serve as a source of inspiration and grounding, helping me reconnect with that creative flow within and support my expression in the outer world.

Where did you complete your training (or where are you still in training)?

Karen Berry. I graduated as a breathwork facilitator in July 2024 with Breathing Space. I attained my level 3 in Reiki in 2022 but I usually just say I work with energy as that is what it is to me but reiki is an accepted modality title.

Are you trained in any other modalities?

Yes, i am a trained in holistic massage, reiki – level 3, Indian head massage. and i am a qualified and registered adult general nurse

How do they integrate with breathwork?

Breathwork will weave throughout all modalities. It is present in each moment. I use the breath to support spiritual journeying and connection to other realms of existence.

What is your personal journey?

Throughout my life I have struggled, I was bullied as a child, I struggled to form lasting relationships, I was consumed by the need to fit in, to be accepted. This drove me to clip and change to suit those around me and I became less me, and not even really like them, I just seemed to fade away. Throughout my adult life people have abused my very soul. They have taken the love I gave so freely and used it against me. I’ll not dwell on that as this blog is about my journey in breathwork. So for the past 20 Years I have searched. I have searched for me. I have explored holistic therapies and trained in various modalities of healing. I qualified as a nurse and supported people for many years, physically and emotionally. My path took many twists and turns. I left one abusive relationship, straight into another, this one worse. I eventually found the strength to leave. During these times I left my spiritual development and self care behind. I no longer practiced my craft, I hid it all from the world and from myself. I was consumed with being accepted.
Now breathwork where does this fit in. Well over the past four years I have taken myself on a journey of healing, initially I thought I was ok, but then when I took a course on mental health resilience, I realised that I was not ok, the truth then was that I felt broken. Not it a I can’t function way, I worked, I provided for my family, but I was definitely not living my life the way I wanted or in a way that served my highest good, I didn’t really understand who I was so how could I live how I wanted when I didn’t knew myself. So I took a trip down the rabbit hole and I discovered a lady in America who does witchcraft and shadow work. OO I thought this sounds good so off I went, like Alice, down the hole deeper and deeper, until I started to come across the term breathwork. Now here’s me thinking wtf is that all about, sounds kinda hippie to me but also I found a little voice saying go have a look, go see what this hippie S678 is all about. Furthermore you daft sod you’re just a little bit hippie with all your reiki, crystals and witchy spell work so maybe, just maybe you’ll fit right in.
So off I do down another rabbit hole, and further and further I went, searching on the internet talking to friends, to see what it is all about. And I start to build this picture in my mind of what this breathwork might actually be about. Of course I saw some lets say very interesting interpretations of what breathwork was and some vast differences in practitioner training. I knew I was looking for something more, something that felt less wishy washy and more substantial. Then I found Ben and Breathing Space. I attended a zoom call to find out more. Now there I was, trying to get the children ready for bed, whist cuddling the snake and listening to Ben talking about his work and this programme. I suddenly stopped what I was doing, this was it, I found what I was looking for. The energies of all those people on that call were amazing, old students, current students, facilitators, curious people like me and of course Ben. One lady made a comment of how the breath is everything. As I have travelled along this path, read more books, attended more sessions, the truth of this statement transformed, I came to understand just what she meant. The breath is everything, no more no less, it just is. If you are reading this thinking this woman writing this is mad, she is bonkers what is she going on about making such a daft statement? Hang in there, walk a little further along the path into breathwork and you will see. The penny will drop, you will just know.
Breathwork has helped to change my life. I am calmer, more resilient, happier because I know how to breathe. I know what I need to do to open my sub conscious, so I can connect on a deeper level to discover my truth. I can stay calm in the moment, and now I am ready to support this for others.

What do you stand for, and what do you stand against?

My mission is to combat the feeling of being alone. I have been there and it is not a very nice place. I am not saying i don’t relish my own company nor am i unhappy on my own. But feeling alone is something very different. I wish for communities to come together, to support one another, where we are now. Building spaces where people can just be present and loved. What do i stand against? well tyranny, oppression, and feeling alone, feeling no one is there and not knowing which way to turn. Above all i stand for being kind and nice, these do not come without boundaries but let us all just be kind.

What is your greatest wish for your clients

To find a space of respite. A space of safe refuge as they navigate the storms in their own lives. A place of connection, a place of compassion and a place of love.

My Bio

Creating Safe Spaces to Navigate Life’s Storms: Breathwork & Energy Facilitation to Build Your Centre of Wellness

Contact Details

email :- safehavenwellnesscentre@gmail.com.

What do you enjoy about breathwork and how has it helped you?

Breathwork has been transformative for me because it touches that deep, unseen place where the mind and body intersect – exactly where sensitive souls often feel the weight of the world. As someone who feels everything intensely, I’ve struggled with overwhelming emotions, anxiety, and even fear for most of my life. Breathwork has become more than a practice; it’s a sanctuary where I can soften into my sensitivity rather than fight against it.

In every session, I feel the power of my breath ground and guide me, reshaping how I respond to stress and fear. Breathwork gently connects me with my nervous system, subconscious mind, and neural pathways, creating lasting calm and a sense of rooted confidence that traditional methods never fully reached. For me, it’s about reclaiming this natural tool to lead a life that honours my sensitive nature, and it’s why I’m passionate about helping other sensitive women find their way through breath, too.

Where did you complete your training (or where are you still in training)?

Graduate Facilitator, Mentor and Teacher at Breathing Space
Graduate coach, teacher and facilitator

Are you trained in any other modalities?

Trainee Advanced Instructor – Oxygen Advantage (course complete, case studies in progress).
Professional Coach for HSPs – The Highly Sensitive Human Academy
I am also a qualified holistic therapist (massage, reflexology, although I no longer practice).
I am certified in First Aid and Mental Health First Aid.

How do they integrate with breathwork?

I felt there was an element missing when practicing breathwork, and whilst working/specialising in working with those navigating high sensitivity and often the challenges that arise with this – anxiety, overwhelm, extreme emotions. Coaching has given me a more solid base to work with the mind – mindset and mindfulness – as well as the body through breathwork. We are one, and to be able to integrate the two I feel is imperative. I am also trained in both esoteric, and very science based breathwork, again, I feel the necessity and importance of understanding the full spectrum of breathwork here to best help those that need it.

What is your personal journey?

I’ve spent much of my life navigating the intensity of being a highly sensitive person in a world that often values resilience and hustle over sensitivity and rest. For years, I felt like my sensitivity was a burden, something I had to hide or fix. Society’s unspoken rules had me in a cycle of pushing down emotions, overriding my needs, and constantly striving to fit in a mould that just wasn’t meant for me.

But then, I reached a breaking point – a place of overwhelming burnout, anxiety, and an exhaustion that went soul-deep. It was in this low that I discovered the power of breathwork, embodiment, and gentle self-care. Through these practices, I began to reconnect with myself, finding that my sensitivity wasn’t a weakness; it was my strength, my superpower. I’ve had to unlearn a lot, redefine my relationship with fear, and embrace slowness as a guiding force in my life.

Now, I’ve created a life that supports who I truly am – a life that honours rest, healing, and the beauty of softness. And I’m passionate about helping other sensitive women find that same freedom, to come home to themselves without shame, embracing the quiet power within.

What do you stand for, and what do you stand against?

For :- I stand for a world in which sensitivity is respected and celebrated as strength, where women feel empowered to embrace their gentle power and pursue slow, meaningful growth. I believe in creating spaces that nurture compassion, authentic expression, and self-connection. I’m devoted to helping sensitive women find balance, strength, and resilience, offering a path that honours the natural rhythms of our bodies and minds. In a world that often demands too much, I stand for gentle courage, connection to nature, and holistic healing.

Against :- I stand against the relentless pressure to fit into fast-paced, disconnecting norms that undervalue rest, healing, and our emotional wellbeing. I oppose the societal demands for constant self-improvement that lead to self-abandonment and burnout. I reject the idea that sensitivity is a weakness to be overcome. I stand firmly against systems that shame our natural sensitivity and resilience, and I oppose the shallow solutions that treat complex emotions with dismissal rather than depth. Instead, I advocate for depth, self-compassion, and the freedom to feel and heal authentically.

What is your greatest wish for your clients

My greatest wish for my clients is for them to find a life of peace, clarity, and self-acceptance that feels completely true to who they are. I hope they discover the beauty in their sensitivity and see it not as something to overcome, but as a deep well of strength, intuition, and insight. I wish for them to build a loving relationship with themselves – one that honours rest, joy, and resilience, free from shame or societal pressures, and free from crippling anxiety, overwhelm and a distrust of the self. Above all, I want them to feel empowered to lead lives that feel rich and nourishing, not despite their sensitivity, or sensitive parts but because of it.

Contact Details