EPISODE 049 | APPLE PODCASTS | SPOTIFY

In today’s episode, I am excited to be joined by James Dowler, a voice that has become part of my daily routine, helping me find focus and calm. I first discovered James' breathwork sessions during lockdown when traditional meditation wasn’t effective for my busy mind. Breathwork, I found, is an incredible form of meditation, especially for those who struggle to quiet their thoughts, particularly small business owners! It’s a phenomenal practice to incorporate into daily life, and I’m thrilled to welcome James onto our podcast, to share his insights.

Through our conversation, James shares his journey from struggling with chronic fatigue and pain to becoming a successful breathwork practitioner and business owner. We delve into how breathwork can be an easy and effective practice for anyone, the differences between breathwork and meditation, and practical tips for incorporating breathwork into daily routines. James also shares a free session which you can find below, to help newcomers get started.

I’m excited to share our conversation with you in the audio above and show notes below.

OVERVIEW

James’ Journey to Breathwork: From chronic fatigue and pain to discovering the mind-body connection and the power of breathwork.

Breathwork vs. Meditation: Understanding the key differences and how breathwork can be a more active and focused practice.

Practical Benefits of Breathwork: How breathwork can improve physical and mental well-being, including tips for better sleep and managing stress.

Incorporating Breathwork into Daily Life: Simple ways to make breathwork a regular part of your routine for a more balanced and calm lifestyle.

Scientific Insights: The science behind breathwork, including its effects on neuroplasticity and the autonomic nervous system.

JAMES’ JOURNEY TO BREATHWORK

James’ path to becoming a breathwork practitioner began over a decade ago when he developed glandular fever, which led to chronic fatigue and pain. Despite exploring both traditional and alternative medical treatments, nothing alleviated his symptoms. It wasn’t until a specialist pain physio introduced him to the mind-body connection that he found relief through meditation and, eventually, breathwork. This discovery sparked his interest in mind-body disorders and led him to train as a breathwork practitioner.

BREATHWORK VS. MEDITATION

James explains that while meditation is often about bringing awareness to the present moment, breathwork actively uses the breath to shift physiological and psychological states. Breathwork provides a specific focus, making it particularly helpful for those who get easily distracted during meditation. It’s a practice that not only calms the mind but also creates a tangible physiological change, making it an effective tool for managing stress and anxiety.

PRACTICAL BENEFITS OF BREATHWORK

Breathwork can have profound effects on both physical and mental well-being. By practicing breathwork, it’s possible to increase oxygen delivery to muscles and tissues, promote relaxation, and enhance mental clarity. James emphasises the importance of functional breathing—breathing deeply into the diaphragm—to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calm.

Incorporating Breathwork into Daily Life

James suggests that breathwork can be practised anytime, anywhere. For those with busy schedules, even a few minutes of breathwork can create a significant shift in state. He recommends starting with a pre-bedtime routine to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. For morning routines, breathwork can help manage stress and set a positive tone for the day. James encourages exploring different practices to find what works best for each individual.

SCIENTIFIC INSIGHTS

The science behind breathwork is fascinating. James explains that breathwork can rewire the brain through neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences. By practising breathwork regularly, it’s possible to create new neural pathways that promote relaxation and reduce stress. Additionally, breathwork helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, ensuring a balance between the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) responses.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Mind-Body Connection: Understanding and leveraging the connection between the mind and body can lead to significant improvements in physical and mental health.

Active Practice: Breathwork provides a specific focus and an active approach to managing stress and anxiety, making it a powerful complement to traditional meditation.

Functional Breathing: Emphasising deep, diaphragmatic breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation.

Daily Integration: Simple breathwork practices can be incorporated into daily routines to enhance overall well-being and maintain a balanced state.

Neuroplasticity: Regular breathwork can rewire the brain to create new pathways that support relaxation and reduce stress.

Conclusion

A huge thank you to James for sharing his insights and expertise on breathwork. This conversation has highlighted the possibilities of breathwork and its practical benefits for daily life. James has also offered a free session below for anyone new to breathwork to get started. If you’ve ever been sceptical about breathwork or previously struggled with meditation, it’s definitely worth exploring, and I hope you experience its positive effects firsthand.

As always, I love hearing from you. Share your thoughts or ask any questions by contacting me directly via Instagram.

You can find James Dowler's app, Breathe with James, on the App Store and Google Play.

For further reading as mentioned by James during our conversation, check out:

• The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown

• The Healing Power of Breath by Richard P. Brown and Patricia L. Gerbarg

10MINS SESSION FROM JAMES