The Transformative Power of Breath

Many years ago, during a walk around Washington DC while suffering from a particularly nasty hangover, I made a seemingly ridiculous comment: “How good is breathing?” Of course, my wife and brother gave me plenty of grief over the statement, but I stood by it. In that moment, deep breaths of cold winter air worked wonders, clearing my foggy mind and giving me a surprising sense of clarity. While I didn’t know it at the time, I was tapping into something powerful—a simple yet transformative tool we often take for granted.

Breathing is life’s most basic necessity. Without it, we wouldn’t last long. But beyond its automatic, life-sustaining function, conscious breathing holds the power to transform your mood and mindset. In stressful situations, something as simple as a few deep breaths can bring immediate relief. It clears your mind, helps you reset, and injects a sense of calm into both your body and mind.

Think about it: How many times do you find yourself rushing through life without taking a moment to pause? Whether you’re preparing for an important meeting, stuck in traffic, or having a heated argument with a child, a few deep breaths can provide a much-needed reset. It’s a tool you can use at any time of day—first thing in the morning to prepare for the day ahead, during moments of tension, or before bed to help you drift off to sleep.

Incorporating breathwork into your daily routine doesn’t require much effort, yet it can profoundly impact your well-being. Want to go deeper? Explore formal breathwork courses or guided videos to learn advanced techniques that can help you access new parts of your mind and release deep-seated stress.

This post is based on insights from Barely Zen: A Completely Unscientific Guide To Life by Steve Marsh. To explore more on the power of your breath and other techniques for managing stress and anxiety, check out the full book.