Breathability NZ

24/02/2026

We are very proud of Catherine's contribution toward a systematic review of the role of breathing pattern in Functional dissociative seizures. There is much more work to be done but a noteworthy start. Well done Catherine and the research team! For more information you can read more here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525505026000405

The Lung Mechanic

23/02/2026

Did you find a way to chill out and notice your body let go and your breathing find a calmer rhythm?
Can you make this a part of your routine to experience the letting go more often? It doesn't have to be at the beach, (or in a hammock!) just where you feel most rested and getting to the space doesn't add to your mental load.

16/02/2026

Being outside can help reduce cortisol levels ( a multi function hormone in the body that plays a role in stress) and reduce muscle tension and anxiety.
Take a moment to just be outside this week and notice how it helps you to regulate your breathing



📸Jen Mepham. Smails beach Dunedin, NZ

08/02/2026

Heart health awareness month: Quitting smoking will benefit your heart health and your breathing. In just 8 hours of being smoke free the oxygen levels increase and by 1 month the lung function increases by 30%!
We don’t want you to do this without support, the quit line has heaps of resources check them out https://quit.org.nz/help-to-quit-smoking

(source:https://www.smokefree.org.nz/quit/tips-and-advice/the-benefits-of-quitting)

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05/02/2026

Here is a friendly pair of feet to remind you to carve our some time to relax this Waitangi weekend. Its when we make the time to let our bodies be calm and rested that we can get the foundation strong to breathe well.

www.breathability.nz

04/02/2026

February is here already and what better way to start the month than with a public holiday weekend. For those of you following along on the breathing tips, having time every day when you can support your body to wind down and switch off is really helpful for restful breathing. We know its harder to do this if you live with a long term condition and have to work hard to advocate for yourself. What do you enjoy doing that helps you to really switch off from the daily grind? Tell us in the comments below or better yet, tell someone who will encourage you to do it more often.

www.breathability.nz

02/02/2026

February is Heart Health Awareness month: Eating nourishing food is a known way to influence heart health. Being with people we love can help us to relax. The Heart Foundation has some suggestions food changes this summer, perfect timing if you are having a BBQ with friends this Waitangi weekend.

https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/about-us/news/blogs/six-tips-for-a-healthy-bbq.

Edited to correct a typo.

With warmer weather and longer evenings, BBQs are back! It’s time for fresh, exciting salads, outdoor dining and catching up with friends and family. We share our top tips for great tasting, heart-healthy barbecuing this summer.

26/01/2026

Now that you have spent time noticing your breathing lets see how efficient it is, which means how much energy you put into breathing. The most energy efficient way to breathe is to use your nose and when you breathe in. When the tummy rises and falls is means the diaphragm is moving and fun fact, needs to do about 80% of the work. The top hand may not move, its OK if it moves a little bit. Then your breath out should be longer than the breath in. Take some time to compare what your breathing does when you are working or under pressure, compared to how your breathing is when you are feeling chilled and calm.

25/01/2026

Sunday Inspo from and

Whatever needs doing, you can do it. Whatever you’re going through, you will get through it

Image: https://www.instagram.com/allontheboard

01/01/2026

Southern Physiotherapy Symposium 2025: Both Jen and Catherine with colleague and physio legend, Fy Dunford took to the podium for a Focused Symposia to highlight the need to understand the long term implications of COVID 19. We know how hard people with lived experience advocate in this space so it's been a privilege to continue the advocacy to health professionals.

Photo is of Fy Dunford, Jen Mepham and Catherine George standing in front of the opening slide of the focused Symposia Dare to Care: Medical ambivalence and care denial whilst enduring the symptoms and limitations following COVID: Shared learnings for true patient-centred care

www.breathability.nz The Lung Mechanic