Your Breath: A Superpower

In a yoga class, you’ll often hear the teacher reminding you to inhale and exhale. After all, we've been breathing our entire lives—why the constant reminder?

The truth is, our breath is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which ensures our heart beats and our lungs breathe without us having to think about it. Yet, we also have the unique ability to consciously influence our breath, which is where its power lies. When we learn to harness it, breathing truly becomes a superpower.

No matter what you’re doing or where you are, you can always become curious about your breath. In fact, why not try it right now?

Take a Moment to Notice Your Breath

• Where do you feel the breath in your body? Is it at the nostrils, in the throat, or perhaps deep in your chest?

• How would you describe the quality of your breath? Is it shallow or deep? Short or long? Fast or slow?

What if you altered it?

Place one hand on your belly and the other on your heart. Consciously slow your breath and deepen it. As you inhale, feel the chest rise, followed by the belly. Hold the inhale for a count of 3, 4, or 5, and then slowly exhale, noticing the belly and then the chest gently release.

Take another 2–3 deep breaths, repeating the process.

Now, how do you feel?

This simple practice of breath awareness can have a profound impact. By focusing on your breath, you unite the mind and the body. This unity is especially powerful during a yoga class, where breath and movement merge to create mindfulness in every posture.

Breath awareness helps in challenging postures, too. For example, when balancing in Vrksasana (Tree Pose), remembering to breathe can ease tension and bring stability. Similarly, in core poses like Navasana (Boat Pose), steady breath can help release the effort and bring focus.

Off the Mat: Harness Your Breath in Daily Life

What we practise in yoga can be a powerful tool for life off of the mat. In moments of stress or challenge, we can use conscious breathing to calm the nervous system and regain clarity. Remembering to breathe during high-pressure situations, just as we do in yoga, can shift your state of mind and bring you back to the present moment.

Why not try a class and experience for yourself how mindful breathing for less than an hour can alter your body, mind and energy levels?