Life is full of pressures – work deadlines, family demands, a never-ending to-do list – and when the pressure builds, it’s easy to reach for food to soothe emotions. But what if the answer to calming your stress and regaining control isn’t in the fridge, but in your breathing?
Breathwork is a simple yet powerful tool that reconnects you with your body, your emotions and your wellbeing.
At LighterLife, we know that emotional eating can feel automatic – like you’re on autopilot. Breathwork gives you a moment to pause, reflect and choose a different response. It’s a way of hitting the reset button on your stress levels and your mindbody connection.
Let’s explore how conscious breathing can help you feel calmer, more in control – and more in tune with yourself.
What is breathwork?
You breathe without thinking about it – it’s automatic. But it’s also one of the few body functions that is under both automatic and conscious control.
Breathwork is the practice of consciously controlling your breathing to influence how you feel. Whether it’s fast and energising or slow and calming, breathwork directly affects your nervous system, making it a valuable tool in your emotional wellbeing kit.
There are many types of breathwork, but they all have one thing in common – they help you become more mindful of what’s going on inside. From tension in your shoulders to shallow breathing or tightness in your chest, these are your body’s signals that something’s off. Breathwork helps you tune in to those signals and respond in a healthier, more supportive way.
How breathwork supports emotional wellbeing
Slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system – your body’s “rest and digest” mode.
This state does more than just calm you down. It can also:
- Lower your heart rate and blood pressure
- Reduce your levels of stress hormones
- Encourage your muscles to relax
- Improve your mood and immunity
- Aid your digestion and metabolism
In this state, your brain gets a powerful signal – that you’re safe. That means you’re more likely to respond to your emotions with compassion rather than reaching for food out of habit or stress.
On the other hand, faster, more intense breathing activates the sympathetic nervous system – your “fight or flight” mode – increasing energy, focus and alertness. Different breathwork styles can therefore be tailored to your needs in the moment.
Why breathwork matters for weight management
Many people turn to food for comfort – especially in moments of stress, anxiety or boredom. These habits are often deeply ingrained and happen without conscious thought. But by incorporating breathwork into your daily routine, you start creating space between feeling and reacting.
That space is powerful. It allows you to recognise what you’re truly feeling – tiredness, loneliness, overwhelm – and choose how to respond. Maybe what you really need is rest, a walk, or a chat with a friend. Breathwork helps you listen to those needs, rather than trying to silence them with snacks – which makes things worse in the long run.
A simple tool with lasting benefits
You don’t need special equipment, privacy or a lot of time. Breathwork is always with you – all you need to do is tap into it. With regular practice, it becomes easier to notice when your breath is shallow or tense, and to make a conscious shift to calm yourself.
The more you practise breathwork, the more intuitive it becomes. That mindbody connection deepens, encouraging self-care that’s not driven by impulse but by awareness. You become more in tune with your physical and emotional needs – and better equipped to meet them in healthy, nourishing ways.
Ready to give it a go?
Try this simple 4-4-4-4 breathwork* exercise to see the difference it can make.
- Breath in through your nose for four seconds
- Hold your breath for four seconds
- Exhale through your nose for four seconds
- Hold your breath for four seconds
- Repeat at least two more times
Breathwork in the Re-Creating Me programme
In our 12-week subscription, Re-Creating Me premium programme, we’ve included a breathwork activity in every weekly session. These simple practices are designed to help you integrate breathwork into daily life, whether you’re at work, out for a walk or preparing dinner – or your Foodpacks!
It’s part of LighterLife’s holistic approach to wellbeing that empowers you to take charge of your emotional health and weight management. You’ll learn techniques you can rely on in the moment – to stay calm, present and in control.
*Breathwork – While breathwork has many benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions, including but not limited to heart problems and respiratory issues. Please consult with your GP or healthcare provider before participating in any breathwork practice.
