Breathing is an automatic response – like our heartbeat – but it can also be consciously controlled.

Quick, shallow breathing activates your fight or flight response. We can be triggering this response many times a day without even realising it.

By purposefully slowing down your breathing, you can override the fight or flight response and activate the parasympathetic system which calms you down.

Breathing with your belly uses a muscle called the diaphragm, and this kind of breathing is good because it’s slower and deeper than chest breathing.

There are lots of benefits of breathing through your nose. For example, it slows down your breathing and helps you focus.

Combat breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, coffee breathing, breath counting and Wim Hof breathing are all powerful ways you can use breathing tactically to improve your life.