Author: Eylin Perez

In our fast-paced world, stress, anxiety, and emotional burdens can weigh heavily on us. However, there are powerful techniques that can help us process these emotions and find inner peace. I recently attended a breathwork and emotional release certification led by a teacher I deeply admire. With over 30 years of experience, four TED Talks, and multiple books on breathwork and trauma healing, his insights were transformative.

The Power of Community in Healing

One of the first and most profound lessons I learned had nothing to do with breathwork directly. It was about the importance of connection. When we experience pain, we tend to isolate, but in reality, healing thrives in community. Feeling supported and connected, especially during grief or loss, can significantly impact the healing process.

With this understanding, we explored deeper into uncomfortable emotions such as grief, loss, and anxiety. I realized that my body needs space to heal, and avoiding pain only delays true recovery. By revisiting moments I had placed on standby, I was able to reclaim my power and embrace my present self more fully.

Breathwork and Somatic Release

Breathwork played a crucial role in my journey. Breathing patterns can facilitate emotional release, while somatic techniques help us feel safe in our own bodies. One effective technique I learned is the Butterfly Hug.

This technique, commonly used in tapping methods, involves crossing your palms over your chest and gently tapping your shoulders in rhythm with your heartbeat. The key is to set an intention and consciously connect with your heartbeat. We often take our heartbeat for granted, but actively tuning into it can bring a deep sense of presence and grounding.

Another useful method is working with the meridians of the body. For those struggling with sleep, stimulating specific meridians in the legs combined with deep abdominal breathing can be incredibly effective. This type of breathing acts as an internal massage, promoting relaxation from the inside out.

Regulating the Nervous System

A crucial aspect of well-being is understanding how to regulate the nervous system. The first step is recognizing our relationship with stress. While stress is often viewed as an enemy, it is actually essential for survival. The real issue arises when we live in a state of chronic stress, leading to heightened cortisol levels, fatigue, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

The key to returning to a state of balance is creating a sense of safety within ourselves. Since we cannot directly control the nervous system, we can influence it through our breath. Deep abdominal breathing is one of the most effective ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and transition from ‘fight or flight’ mode to ‘rest and digest’ mode.

Here are some additional techniques for nervous system regulation:

• Humming or mantra chanting – Stimulates the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation.
• Cold exposure – Briefly touching cold water can have a powerful calming effect.
• Binaural beats and guided visualizations – Helps synchronize brain activity, reducing stress.

Finding What Works for You

The most important takeaway is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people love ice baths, while others prefer meditation, breathwork, or mindful movement. What matters is finding practices that work for you and incorporating them into your daily routine.

For example, while meditation might not resonate with everyone, other activities like painting, walking in nature, or even cooking can serve as meditative practices. The goal is to find your personal toolkit—a collection of habits and techniques that help you stay grounded and balanced.

The Key to Living Fully

Ultimately, life is too short to be spent in a constant state of stress. By integrating small but meaningful practices, we can shift from merely surviving to truly thriving. Setting an intention each day and dedicating time to self-care will not only improve your well-being but also bring clarity and purpose to your life.

So, give it a chance. Explore different techniques, find what resonates with you, and start living your life more fully—one breath at a time. Sign up for the 5-Day Breathwork Challenge with Eylin here.