0:00
/
0:00
Transcript

Breathe with Purpose

One Principle, Three Breath Techniques to Shift Your State
1

Most people think breathing is automatic.

Something your body just does.

But you can do some amazing stuff with it.

Your breath isn’t just about oxygen—it’s also the remote control for your nervous system.

Breathe one way, and you feel wired and alert.

Breathe another way, and you feel calm and relaxed.

But most of us don’t use this built-in tool the right way.

In this video, I’ll show you one simple principle and three breathing techniques:

  • One to wake you up, and get you going.

  • One to keep you steady, to promote equanimity.

  • One to help you unwind, to recovery after a long day, and have a great night of sleep.

You can use these anytime, anywhere to control your state in seconds.

In this video, I am sharing 3 fundamental techniques built around one principle - the ratio of your inhale and exhale is what matters.

Longer Inhale, Shorter Exhale → Arousal & Activation

  • Need a quick energy boost? Your breath can help.

  • 🔺 Inhale longer than you exhale (e.g., 4s inhale, 2s exhale).

  • This stimulates your sympathetic nervous system—increasing alertness, focus, and readiness.

  • Great for: morning wake-ups, pre-workout, or shaking off sluggishness.

Equal Inhale & Exhale → Balance & Equanimity

  • Feeling scattered? Overwhelmed? Balance your breath.

  • ⚖️ Equal inhale and exhale (e.g., 4s inhale, 4s exhale).

  • This brings a neutral, centred state, neither too wired nor too relaxed.

  • Great for: maintaining focus, meditation, or staying calm under pressure.

  • Just a few minutes can shift you into a steady, composed mindset.

Longer Exhale, Shorter Inhale → Calm & Relaxation

  • Stressed? Anxious? Breathe your way into calm.

  • 🌊 Exhale longer than you inhale (e.g., 4s inhale, 6-8s exhale).

  • This activates the parasympathetic nervous system—lowering heart rate, reducing tension, and promoting deep relaxation.

  • Great for: winding down before sleep, reducing stress, or recovering after intense moments.

  • Breathe out slowly… feel the shift. Relax into it.

Do keep in mind

  • Breathe into your belly. Not your chest.

  • The breath should feel easy - do not try to go for a longer duration.

  • The breath should be smooth and soft and invisible. If someone is sitting opposite you as you are breathing, they should not be able to hear or see much going on with you.

Discussion about this video

User's avatar