Published 16 September 2024
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Written by Emma Matthews
Reviewed by Dr. Abhinav Singh
Fact checking standards
Key takeaways
As regular Hormonas will probably know, we love breathwork. It’s easy, self-contained and has real-world application and results. In fact, we love it so much, we’ve joined forces with Sheila Arnell, world-renowned breathwork expert, to spread the word. Sheila is Team Hormona’s newest member, and we can’t wait for you to meet her!
Hey Sheila! Welcome to Hormona! So, how did you get started on your breathwork path?
Hey, Hormona! Thank you — I’m soo pleased to be here! I always felt that for me relaxation came through thanks to my breath. That deep sigh really gets me, it relaxes me at my core. I figured, if the breath can help me get there, then learning more about it definitely was key. Breath is central in yoga and meditation, which I teach, so becoming a breathwork teacher as well as a pranayama teacher was a natural step. Now, knowing how vital it is for women’s health… I know this will keep spreading, and I’m delighted to teach everyone how beneficial it can be.
What are the biggest benefits you get from practicing breathwork, and how have they impacted your life?
Practicing breathwork really helps me, and hopefully, others, switch from their sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system. Which basically means that I find it easier nowadays to relax. I can be super active, and then slow right down, and feel good about the shifts. And practicing is also very meditative, and a really centering and crucial practice, all through my cycle.
What’s your favorite breathwork technique, and how do you incorporate it into your daily routine?
I do box breathing when I walk, or just some medium breath holds, this really centers me and helps me find my focus. I also love to do Bhramari, or Humming bee, when I drive — it’s such a calming and soothing practice.
And finally Sheila, what’s your advice to anyone wanting to take up breathwork?
A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it. And be gentle with yourself. Focus on relaxing and calming techniques first, just a few minutes a day.
Ready to get started? Sheila’s exclusive breathwork sessions are available on the Hormona app, and they’re tailored to each stage of your cycle. Breathwork can reduce anxiety and stress, boost your enegy levels and even help balance your hormones, and these sessions are amazing. Stay tuned for more incredible content from Sheila!
Definitions boxout
Breathwork: Rhythmically breathing in and out
Pranayama: Yoga-related breathing practice
Box breathing: Inhaling and exhaling for the same count
Moderate breath holds: Inhaling and holding for 7-8 seconds, exhaling and holding for the same count
Bhramari: AKA Humming Bee breathing involves making a buzzing sound when while you exhale
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Written by
Emma Matthews
Reviewed by
Dr. Abhinav Singh
Dr Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the myriad of sleep.
