3 Breathwork Exercises You Can Do in the Float Tank

Breathwork is a practice that helps people control their breathing, commonly used in forms of meditation, but is also a great way to improve your float session. Breathwork can help you achieve an intense state of relaxation and peace. So, whether you're looking to manage stress and anxiety, assist in sleeping patterns or focus, certain breathwork techniques may help.

Here are three easy-to-learn breathwork exercises to try in float therapy.

1. Belly Breathing
Also known as abdominal breathing, it is a technique that involves breathing into your abdomen. Sounds strange? Let’s explain.

How does it work?
Belly breathing requires deep breathing and an expansion, not to the chest, but to the stomach region. It is considered one of the most effective breathing techniques, as it can maximize oxygenation to the body.

How to practice Belly Breathing?

• Find a comfortable position.
• Place a hand on your chest and one on your belly.
• Take a deep, slow breath through your nose.
• Allow your belly to inflate as your lungs fill.
• Exhale through your mouth slowly.
• Repeat.

What are the Benefits?
Belly breathing can assist in reducing stress, improving sleep and digestion and enhancing relaxation, to name a few, but it does host other general well-being and mental health benefits.

2. Box Breathing
Box breathing is also known as tactical breathing. It was designed to assist people in reaching a better sense of focus and relaxation.

How does it work?
By breathing in a uniform pattern, your mind is forced to focus on your breathing alone and clear all other thoughts to center you on this single task.

How to Practice Box Breathing

• Find a relaxed position.
• Breathe in slowly through your nose to the count of four seconds.
• Hold that breath for a count of four seconds.
• Breathe out slowly through your mouth to the count of four seconds.
• Hold that exhale for a count of four seconds.
• Repeat.

What are the Benefits of Box Breathing?
Box breathing has been known to help in cases of anxiety and panic attacks, as well as reduce tension headaches, improve sleep and improve lung capacity.

3. Conscious Connected Breathing
Also known as rebirthing, this is a difficult but highly beneficial breathwork exercise to master. It was developed as a means of releasing negative patterns and traumas and reducing stress.

How does it work?
Through its promotion of a deep relaxation state, it is thought to assist people in confronting pent-up emotions. The continuous cycle helps us release emotional energy stored in our bodies.

How to Practice Conscious Connected Breathing

• Close your eyes
• Take a deep continuous breath through your nose.
• Exhale deeply through your mouth
• Continue without pausing; the motion should feel smooth and circular.
• Use specific sounds if it helps.

What are the Benefits of Conscious Connected Breathing?
This exercise can help increase self-awareness and promote emotional healing, which overall assists in reducing stress and anxiety.

---

Try Out These Breathwork Exercises in Your Next Float Session

Book Your Next Appointment