Common breathwork questions
Short answers to the questions we hear most about breathwork, the science behind it, and the techniques in the Next Step app.
Breathwork basics
What is breathwork?
Breathwork is the practice of using intentional breathing techniques to influence your mental, emotional, and physical state. It offers benefits like stress reduction, enhanced focus, and improved overall wellbeing.
How does breathwork work?
Breathwork works by regulating your nervous system through the breath. It activates different parts of the nervous system to calm or energise, while releasing stored tension and emotions through increased oxygen flow.
What are the benefits of breathwork?
It can reduce stress and anxiety, sharpen focus, steady your emotions, boost energy, and improve sleep.
Do I need prior experience to try breathwork?
No experience is needed. Breathwork is accessible to everyone, and our app provides guided instructions to help you start at your own pace.
Is breathwork safe for everyone?
Breathwork is generally safe, but if you are pregnant, have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, or any serious medical issues, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning. See also Is breathwork safe?.
Science and physiology
What is the science behind breathwork?
Breathwork influences your autonomic nervous system, balancing the parasympathetic ("rest and digest") and sympathetic ("fight or flight") responses. It also improves oxygenation, heart rate variability, and emotional regulation.
How does breathwork help with stress and anxiety?
Breathwork activates the parasympathetic nervous system, signalling your body to relax. Techniques like extended exhales and diaphragmatic breathing slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce cortisol.
Can breathwork improve sleep?
Yes. Techniques like 4-7-8 breathing or progressive breathing can calm your mind, relax your body, and prepare you for restful sleep.
How does breathwork affect emotions?
Breathwork can help release stored emotions by increasing oxygen flow and stimulating areas of the brain linked to emotional regulation.
Techniques in the app
What types of breathing techniques are available in the app?
Available techniques include Box Breathing (steady inhale, hold, exhale, pause), Diaphragmatic Breathing (deep belly breathing), Alternate Nostril Breathing (balancing), Energising Breaths (rhythmic), and Extended Exhales (calming). See also Breathing techniques in the app.
How do I know which breathing technique to choose?
The app categorises sessions by intention (for example relaxation, focus, energy, emotional release) to help you select a technique that matches what you need in the moment.
What is diaphragmatic breathing, and why is it important?
Diaphragmatic breathing is deep belly breathing that engages the diaphragm. It helps lower stress, improve oxygen intake, and promote relaxation by stimulating the vagus nerve.
Can breathwork increase my energy?
Yes. Energising techniques can stimulate your body and mind by increasing oxygen flow and activating your sympathetic nervous system.