Start 2025 with clarity and calm! Discover 5 simple breathwork practices to align with fresh energy and set your intentions for a vibrant year ahead.
Happy New Year, my lovelies! As we step into 2025, there’s a buzz of fresh energy and endless possibilities in the air. It’s that perfect time to take a deep breath, reset, and start laying the groundwork for a brilliant year ahead. And what better way to do that than with some simple, magical breathwork practices?
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5 Simple Breathwork Practices
Breathwork is such a gift – a way to clear the cobwebs, feel grounded, and create space for what truly matters. Today, I’m sharing five easy breathwork practices to help you align with this fresh start and build a solid foundation for growth.
1. Morning Breath Reset
Let’s kick off the day with clarity and calm, shall we? This quick practice will wake you up gently and get you ready to take on the world.
- How to do it: Sit comfortably, inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4, hold for 2, then exhale through your mouth for a count of 6 (if comfortable to do so). Repeat 5 times.
- Why it works: It soothes your nervous system and gives you a calm, steady start.
2. Intention-Setting Breath
Setting intentions can be a powerful way to focus your energy. This breathwork practice makes it even more meaningful.
- How to do it: Close your eyes and take a deep inhale, imagining your intention as a warm, glowing light. Hold your breath briefly while letting that light fill your body. Exhale slowly, releasing any doubts. Repeat for 3-5 minutes.
- Why it works: Combining breath and visualisation helps anchor your intentions deeply.
3. Grounding Box Breath
Feeling a bit all over the place with all those New Year’s resolutions? Box breathing is a lovely way to centre yourself.
- How to do it: Inhale for 3 counts, hold for 3 counts, exhale for 3 counts, and hold for 3 counts again. Repeat for 3-5 minutes.
- Why it works: It creates a steady rhythm that calms the mind and grounds your energy.
4. Energy-Boosting Breath of Joy
Need a pick-me-up? The Breath of Joy is a fun and invigorating practice that’s bound to lift your spirits.
- How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale in three short bursts, raising your arms forward, to the side, and overhead. Exhale fully as you bend forward, letting your arms swing down. Repeat for 1-2 minutes.
- Why it works: It boosts oxygen levels and gets your energy flowing.
5. Evening Release Breath
Wind down after a busy day with this soothing breath practice. It’s perfect for letting go of stress and welcoming rest.
- How to do it: Sit or lie down comfortably. Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 counts, then exhale through your mouth with a soft sigh for as long as you can. Repeat 5-10 times.
- Why it works: A long exhale helps your body relax and prepares you for a good night’s sleep.
A Quick Note About Counts and Breath Holding
You may have come across this technique using a four count (it’s all over the internet!). But what’s important with this technique (and all breathwork) is your comfort level. If holding your breath is stressful, then doing a technique that aims to activate your parasympathetic nervous system is pointless! Box breathing works because we’re balancing the inhales and exhales with the holds with the equal counts. The counts are irrelevant.
Aligning with Fresh Energy
These breathwork practices aren’t just about breathing – they’re about creating space for the life you want to live. To take things a step further, try:
- Journaling after each session: Write down your thoughts and how you feel.
- A nature walk: Take your breathwork outside and connect with the beauty around you.
- Seasonal rituals: Honour the turning of the year with a simple ceremony. (I’ve written about this in my Winter Solstice blog post!)
For more ideas on setting intentions and aligning with the seasons, check out my free Facebook group, Breathwork Women’s Circle: Embracing Pagan Wisdom.
As you weave these breathwork practices into your days, remember that small, consistent steps can lead to big, beautiful changes. Let’s breathe deeply and build something wonderful together this year.
Here’s to a vibrant and magical 2025, my lovelies—we’ve got this!