Feeling Tired? Boost Your Energy With This Breathing Technique

Do you often find yourself struggling to get through the day, or maybe experiencing the dreaded mid-afternoon slump a lot? Or perhaps your concentration and focus tends to disappear when you need it most? You’re not alone. Instead of overloading on coffee and sweets in an attempt to keep you awake and on top of your daily to-do list, I want you to use the most powerful tool you have - your breath. 

An energising breathwork practice is far more healthy than using caffeine or sugar to liven yourself up – so put down that cup, and let’s dive into the incredible power of the breath.

Our day-to-day breaths are pretty shallow - we tend to breathe into our chest and not get enough oxygen. We need deep, slow breaths. When you take a deep, belly breath, your stomach expands outward, the lower ribs expand sideways, causing your diaphragm to contract. This helps to fill every part of your lungs with oxygen. It’s this volume of oxygen that helps change how you feel. It ramps up blood flow and increases oxygenation leading to more energy. 

So the next time you need to turn up your energy and focus, try using the below breath technique and learn how to exercise your lungs to give you the power you need to move forward. 

The ‘Sniff, Sniff, Pooh’ Technique 

I call this ‘sniff, sniff, pooh’ - a funny but powerful breath! Practice this breathing technique in any moment that you feel fatigue. Repeat this practice for around 2 minutes. You can do this anywhere and anytime when you need that spike in energy and focus. 

1. Sit somewhere comfortable. Feel your chest rise and fall as you breathe in an easy, natural rhythm.
   
   
2. When you’re ready, take 3 sniffs through the nose and then exhale through the mouth, whilst making a sound similar to ‘pooooh’.
   
   
3. Continue this breath sequence for around 20 breaths.
   
   
4. Next, take one deep breath in through the nose, and release with a big sigh out.
   
   
5. Repeat this breathing pattern, steps 2-4, three times.
   
   
6. When you’re ready, bring your awareness back to your surroundings.
   
   

How do you feel? Remember, you can use this breathwork technique whenever you need that instant energy and focus boost - at the start of your day, at your work desk, in the car on the way to school pick-up, or just whenever you feel you need big energy.