For me, breathwork is at the heart of every class I teach at Yoga and Pilates. Whether you’re on the mat in a yoga flow or building strength in Pilates, the breath is what connects it all together. It steadies the body, focuses the mind, and helps you move with ease and awareness.
I always say — your breath is your anchor. It’s something you carry with you everywhere. Once you know how to use it, it can support you through anything.
The Power of the Breath
When we breathe deeply and steadily, we activate the body’s relaxation response. The heart rate slows, the nervous system settles, and we begin to feel calmer — more present. Over time, regular breathwork can reduce anxiety, help you sleep better, and improve focus.
Below are four simple breathing techniques I often use in class. You can practise them anywhere — in bed before sleep, during a stressful day, or simply when you need to pause.
1. Box Breathing
I love this one for its simplicity. Imagine tracing the shape of a square with your breath — inhale, hold, exhale, hold — each side lasting the same count. You might even draw an invisible box with your finger as you go. It’s a brilliant way to calm a busy mind and regulate your breath, especially when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
2. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
This traditional yoga practice balances both sides of the body and the brain. Gently close one nostril with your thumb, inhale through the other, then switch — exhale and inhale through the opposite side.
It’s perfect before meditation or whenever you need to clear mental clutter. You’ll feel your energy settle and your mind become lighter.
3. Bhramari Breath (Humming Bee Breath)
One of my personal favourites. Inhale deeply, then exhale with a soft humming sound — like a gentle bee. This vibration is wonderfully soothing for the nervous system and can really help to quiet an overactive mind. I often use it at the end of a class to help everyone leave feeling calm and centred.
4. Oceanic Breath (Ujjayi Pranayama)
This breath is often used during yoga flows, creating a soft whispering sound at the back of the throat as you breathe through the nose. It helps you stay focused and steady when movement feels challenging. I call it the “anchor breath” — a reminder to stay grounded and calm, no matter what’s happening around you.
Why Breathwork Matters
In yoga and Pilates, the breath isn’t separate from movement — it is the movement.
Every inhale invites space and openness, every exhale releases tension and creates control. The more we tune into our breath, the more connected we feel — to our bodies, to our practice, and to ourselves.
Take just a few minutes each day to breathe with awareness. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Sit, close your eyes, and simply notice the rise and fall. That’s where calm begins.
Practice. Breathe. Restore.
