How Breathing Biohacks Our Nervous Systems for Business Success
Unlocking Brilliance: How Breathing Biohacks Our Nervous Systems for Business Success
In the fast-paced world of business, especially for us as women balancing so many roles, stress management feels essential to keep our energy high and creativity flowing. But what if there was a simple, free tool we could use anytime, anywhere, to improve our focus, reduce stress, and even tap into the powers of our subconscious mind? Breathing is that tool. It’s often overlooked, but mastering it can be a powerful biohack to level up our brilliance in business and life.
Why Breathing Impacts the Nervous System
Our breath is directly connected to our nervous system, specifically the autonomic nervous system, which controls all those essential, involuntary processes like heart rate, digestion, and—you guessed it—stress response. When we’re stressed, our body activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the “fight or flight” response. You know that heart-pounding, tight-chested feeling we get before a big presentation or when juggling one too many tasks? That's our body reacting as if there’s a real, physical danger.
However, slow, deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, our “rest and digest” mode. This shift relaxes the body, slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and promotes feelings of calm and clarity—all of which are crucial when we’re looking to lead with focus, presence, and resilience.
The Subconscious Connection
Our breathing also plays a remarkable role in connecting us with our subconscious mind. Our breath can act as a bridge, moving us from the conscious mind, where we’re thinking about to-do lists and deadlines, into a more intuitive, reflective space. As we slow our breath, brain waves shift from beta (the busy brain) to alpha (the relaxed, creative brain), and even theta (associated with deep meditation and creative insight).
In these more relaxed brain states, we tap into the parts of our mind where solutions often reside without us even knowing. Ever had a moment of inspiration while taking deep breaths on a walk or during a peaceful pause? That’s your subconscious at work, breaking free from the constraints of everyday busyness.
Breathing as a Biohack for Brilliance
Imagine using your breath as a tool to step into a more powerful, composed, and creative version of yourself. By embracing breathwork, we’re not only managing stress but also opening up doors to fresh ideas, deeper insights, and emotional resilience. Here’s how:
Grounding in the Present: When stress tries to pull us into a whirlwind of overthinking, a few slow breaths bring us back to the present. This grounded state helps us focus on the task at hand, cutting through the noise to find clarity.
Calm under Pressure: Breathwork helps us become less reactive. When we're calmer, we think more clearly and make decisions from a place of confidence rather than fear or frustration.
Unlocking Creativity: When we activate those relaxed brain states, we’re more likely to solve problems, innovate, and even discover hidden solutions our busy minds might miss. This can be a game-changer when we’re strategizing for our business or navigating challenges.
Simple Breathing Techniques to Try
4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale slowly for 8 seconds. This technique quickly shifts you into relaxation mode, perfect for calming pre-presentation nerves or winding down after a busy day.
Box Breathing (4-4-4-4): Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold again for 4. This method is great for restoring balance and focusing your mind before a big decision or brainstorming session.
Extended Exhale Breathing: Try breathing in for a count of 4 and exhaling for a count of 6 or 8. Longer exhalations are known to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, enhancing relaxation and reducing stress hormones.
Making Breathing a Daily Practice
The beauty of breathwork is its accessibility. You don’t need a special space, time, or tools; just a few minutes of intention. Try integrating these practices into your routine:
Start the Day Calmly: Take five deep, intentional breaths first thing in the morning. It’s a quick, powerful way to set a tone of calm and focus for the day.
Breath Breaks Between Tasks: Instead of rushing from one task to the next, try a minute or two of mindful breathing between activities. This helps you reset and bring your best to each moment.
End the Day with Breathwork: Consciously slow down your breath before bed to release any stress you’ve carried through the day. This simple practice can improve your sleep quality, giving you the rest you need to bring your brilliance to the world.
By using the simple yet profound power of breathwork, we’re not just managing stress—we’re tapping into a potent biohack that allows us to lead, create, and thrive with grace and resilience. Breathwork is truly an invitation to connect deeply with ourselves, calm our minds, and unleash our most brilliant selves in business and beyond.
Octavia Christina, dedicated soul alignment coach and breathwork facilitator, joins me on the podcast to talk about using breathwork and other strategies to unlock your inner power. Listen here:
