Reducing Stress and Fatigue: The Power of Breathwork

Modern life places infinite stresses on us from the small everyday challenges, to the big life pressures which are common in midlife.

Stress leads to fatigue by triggering the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. Chronic stress wears down your body, leaving you feeling physically and mentally exhausted.

Breathwork can be a powerful tool for combating stress and fatigue. It works by calming the nervous system, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. 

The Effects of Stress and Fatigue on the Body and Mind

I mentioned earlier how stress leads to fatigue by triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline – this can have the effect of disrupting your sleep, causing muscle tension, and draining your mental energy.

Chronic stress wears down your body, suppresses your immune system, raises your blood pressure and can lead to burnout.

And it’s not just the physical effects to watch out for. Stress and fatigue can cause a range of mental strains including difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and anxiety.

It's crucial to find healthy ways to manage stress and prevent fatigue from becoming chronic.

What is Breathwork and how does it work?

Breathwork increases oxygen flow to the brain and body, which boosts energy, mental clarity, and focus. Breathwork has been proven lowers cortisol levels, improves sleep, and can help reduce anxiety, making it an effective tool for combating both stress and fatigue.

Breathwork balances the autonomic nervous system (ANS), shifting from the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response, to the parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” state. This promotes relaxation and emotional balance.

Research from Cambridge University indicates that SOMA Breath® techniques lead to significant brainwave changes, reducing negative emotions like tension and confusion while enhancing happiness and calmness.

It’s also worth noting that specific breathwork techniques like 4-7-8 breathing have been shown to improve HRV (Heart Rate Variable), a marker of reduced stress and anxiety.

Incorporating Breathwork Into Your Daily Routine

By setting yourself the goal of small habitual changes, you can easily incorporate breathwork into your daily routine. By carving out just a few minutes each day you can tackle the effects of stress and fatigue on your body and mind head-on.

Why not start the day with a few minutes of breathwork to set a calm, focused tone? Take time around lunchtime or during work breaks to practise a short breathwork sessions to refresh the mind and reduce stress. And finally, at the end of the day, breathwork can help relax the body and mind, improving sleep quality and combating fatigue.

If you’ve never tried Breathwork before and you’d like to find out more why not try my free, online course Breathwork 101?

Breathwork 101 is a self-guided course designed to help you learn the techniques of breathwork. You’ll learn how to reduce stress, regain focus, and find pockets of peace in your busy day. Whether you're battling sleepless nights, constant overthinking, or just need a moment to breathe, this course offers the tools to reset your mind and body.

Sign up now and take the first breath towards balance and clarity.