The Power Of Breathing Exercises & Essential Oils

As you know, we’re all about taking small steps which can make a big difference when it comes to your wellbeing which is why we’re big advocates of simple breathing exercises. Here we quiz breathwork expert (and author of Breathe In, Breathe Out) Stuart Sandeman all about how you can breathe your way to better wellbeing…

“Tuning in to your breathing can be a really powerful and very underestimated way of helping you to take control. Whether that’s to chill you out, lessen stress, boost your focus or better your energy, breathing is a really simple way of helping you to manage your emotions and join the dots between how you breathe and how you feel, think, act and perform," says Stuart.

Aromatherapy is a great way to supercharge your breathing practices too... When you breathe in essential oils, they are received by 50 million receptors in your olfactory system - the part of your nose that enables us to smell. These receptors then send a signal to your limbic system - the part of your brain which manages emotional and behavioural responses where it cleverly produces neurochemicals and hormones. These neurochemicals and hormones then act like little messengers to help spark certain feelings.

Different essential oils bring different benefits which is why we carefully blend them to help address a whole host of wellbeing concerns. Whether that’s calming essential oils known to help relieve stress, relaxing ones known to help you prepare for a Perfect Night’s Sleep, energising ones known to boost energy or uplifting ones known to help with your mood.

Here’s Stuart’s best advice for breathing for energy, sleep, stress and mood and our go-to blends...

Breathing For Energy

“Breathing is like putting fuel in the car, so if you ramp up the flow of your breath you can increase your energy too. Try a 2-part inbreath - in through your nose, expanding into your belly, then up into your chest. Then breathe out through your nose. Belly. Chest. Exhale. Repeat,” says Stuart.

Try our Super Shower Power Body Cleanser

With a zingy blend of spearmint, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils, this will really help to kickstart your morning.

Or for those on the go...

Try our Big Day Energy Face Mist

Also powered with refreshing eucalyptus and rosemary as well as patchouli, it gives a pick-me-up for both your skin and mind whenever you need it.

Breathing For Sleep

“Your breath is the perfect tool to wind down and get a good night sleep – the gold seal practice is 4-7-8 breath. Try in through your nose for 4, hold for 7 and out of your mouth for 8. Repeat 5- 10 time or as much as you need to nod off," says Stuart.

Try our Perfect Night’s Sleep Pillow Mist

Packed with our signature sleepy blend of calming lavender and chamomile, a few spritz’ of this works wonders for helping you to drift off.

Breathing For Stress

“If you calm your breath your mind will follow. Long drawn-out breaths will signal your body and mind to relax. Try in for 5 counts, out for 15 counts," says Stuart.

Try our NEW Calming Pen

A soothing blend of lavender, Roman chamomile and orange, meet the essential oil rollerball that helps give an instant moment of calm.

Breathing For Mood

“Bringing your awareness to your breath is a nice place to park your mind and shift your mood. Fix your posture and make sure your breathing is open, flowing and relaxed. Practice equal breathing, in for 5 and out for 5.” - says Stuart.

Try our Happiness Essential Oil Blend

Welcoming mood-boosting essential oils like neroli, mimosa and lemon, this joyful blend does just as the name suggests. Top tip: Pop in your Wellbeing Pod Luxe and use our breathing mode function so you can follow along as the light changes.

For more expert advice and the very best breathing techniques, follow Stuart on Instagram - @breathpod or buy his bestselling book 'Breathe In, Breathe Out' on Amazon.