Breathwork: The Simple Secret to Feeling Better
Guest blog by Renew Director, Ana Kat
You know that feeling when you finally remember to breathe deeply during a stressful moment?
Turns out, that’s not just a lucky coincidence. Breathwork—the act of consciously breathing—can actually do so much more than just keep us alive. It’s a game-changer for your health, your mood, and your overall sense of well-being.
More Than Meditation (Though That’s Part of It)
I’ve always thought of breathwork as more than just meditation. Sure, it helps you regulate to find calm and clarity, but it’s also active. It’s training your diaphragm, strengthening your lungs, and even helping your body burn calories. It’s like giving your body a mini workout with every breath.
The Science Is Pretty Exciting
There’s some cool new research out there, thanks to breathwork pioneers like Wim Hof, Dr. Andrew Weil, and more.
Wim Hof, colloquially known as The Iceman, is probably best known for his high-profile ability to withstand low temperatures. He once held a Guinness World Record for swimming beneath ice and enduring extended full-body contact with it. He also holds a record for completing a barefoot half-marathon across ice and snow. He credits these extraordinary accomplishments to the Wim Hof Method (WHM), which blends regular cold exposure, specialized breathing exercises, and meditation.
Inspired by ancient techniques used to practice yoga and meditation in the Himalayas under extreme cold weather, Wim’s breathing methods have been shown to influence the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and boost mental focus, according to a 2024 meta-analysis of eight studies. So yes, you can change your mood, your stress levels, and even your physical health, just by taking a few mindful breaths!
My Personal Journey—Because I’m Not Just a Teacher, I’m Human Too
When life took on an endless loop of thoughts, I needed to shift my focus because that loop became my crutch, keeping me drifting down less than helpful paths.
Simply put, breathwork helps me break free of these loops, and it’s important to me to share that knowledge with others. I committed to a class every Monday night here at Western, even when only one person showed up. I kept going because I knew if I didn’t open it to others, I wouldn’t show up myself. It was intimidating, but it pushed me to stay consistent.
What started small at Western has grown into a supportive gathering—a connection and a gentle push outside the comfort zone. Now, I’m excited to offer another chance—Tuesday mornings at 11 am—to share this practice with more of you.
What’s in Store in My Classes?
My classes are designed to challenge you gently. Think of it as a workout for your breath. You’ll probably hear some heavy breathing (trust me, it may take a minute to get comfortable with, but I promise it’s okay!), and you might feel a little tired afterward, but you’ll walk away feeling more grounded, more in tune with your body, and maybe a little lighter!
The Best Part? It’s Always There
Breathwork isn’t some new modern hip thing that only happens in a special class. It’s a tool you carry around with you, at your fingertips, ready to use whenever you need it. Whether you’re feeling anxious, tired, or just in need of a reset, your breath is always there, waiting.
Join me at a Breathwork class this week!
Join me in the Mind Body Studio upstairs at Western! I've got everything ready for you—yoga mats, bolsters, cushions, eye pillows, and yoga belts. If you’d like to bring a blanket for extra comfort, you're welcome to do so. Just pick your spot and join in!
Breathwork takes place every Monday night at 6:15pm and every Tuesday morning at 11:00am. Free to all members!
Have more questions about Breathwork or integrative wellness in general? I’d love to answer them! Feel free to approach me after class and ask any questions you have, or stop by every first Friday of the month at 9:00am for Coffee with Ana. This is a free monthly discussion where I’m available to answer any of your questions on a wide variety of holistic healing practices. You’ll get to meet others on a similar journey and enjoy a welcoming and nurturing environment to share and learn.
