05/01/2026
Breathwork is the only part of the stress response we can consciously control. Other reactions such as heart rate and digestion, are automatic. Breath sits in between; it’s semi-automatic.
And this is where the power lies.
When the body is functioning well, it should be able to respond to stress, calm down afterwards, and then become stressed again when needed. Balance returns after highs and lows. We’re able to experience a full range of emotions - anger, sadness, excitement, anxiety; without being overwhelmed by them, and without tipping into the opposite state of feeling disconnected, numb, or unable to feel enthusiasm or joy.
We don’t want to prevent the stress response. It’s useful, it helps us manage situations at full capacity. The issue arises when we get stuck in that phase.
Stress is internal. It’s your response within you, not the circumstance outside of you.
Small, everyday “micro-triggers,” repeated throughout the day, every day, can lead to chronic stress. The body struggles to move back into the rest and digest phase and becomes stuck with little recovery and overstimulated stress systems. Over time, this creates strain on energy levels, metabolism, immunity, digestion, and overall cellular health. You start to feel exhausted, and it likely shows!
Often, people are so busy and wired that the awareness of stress simply isn’t there.
The stress response itself is a cascade of hormonal reactions that produce physical changes to help us prepare for danger. In modern life, that “danger” might be a deadline, a difficult conversation, a flat tyre, or a presentation, you get it.
These physical responses are designed to help us cope. Heart rate and breathing increase to deliver more oxygen to the muscles; pupils dilate to improve focus; glucose is released into the bloodstream to provide energy. Hormones make the brain more alert and wired for quick thinking and decision-making. At the same time, systems such as digestion, immunity, and metabolism slow down temporarily to free up resources for what’s needed in that moment.
What I’m learning as a breathwork facilitator so far, is that there isn’t one technique that fits all situations. Different approaches support different states, and when used appropriately, they can help the stress system return to balance rather than pushing it further in either direction. It’s about working with the body, not trying to override it.
Breath can be used to slow things down when the system is overactivated, and to gently increase energy and focus when levels are low. It supports recovery, improves how we respond to daily stress, and helps the body move more easily between activation and rest. Over time, this ability to shift and recover is what builds resilience, not avoiding stress, but being able to come out of it and reset.
I am learning so much, and lightbulbs keep coming on!! I can't wait to share this with you all soon.
Louise xx
