Current availability (school-day and within AL5 only or via Zoom): Tuesday at 9.15am
BREATHWORK AND BEHAVIOUR
Our breath
We inhale and exhale around 20,000 times per day. Our breath is controlled by our autonomic nervous system, which also regulates other unconscious body processes such as heart beat, blood flow and digestion. Often, we think that the primary purpose of the breath is solely to intake oxygen to support our respiratory function, when in fact, our breath is also critical to our body's regulation of carbon dioxide (CO2). Contrary to popular thought, our body needs a certain amount of carbon dioxide to regulate our blood's PH and to maximise haemoglobin's affinity for oxygen. (Haemoglobin is the method through which oxygen is transported around our body.)
Why our breath is important
If our breathing pattern is less than optimal, the biochemical balance within our body will be less than optimal. The biomechanical aspect of our breathing may also be suboptimal - we may be breathing from the upper chest rather than by using the diaphragm to draw air lightly, slowly and deeply into the lungs.
Being incredibly active for much of the day and the constant 'on the go' state of modern life leaves little time for the body to rest and recover. If sleep is also impacted, the glymphatic system within our brain isn't provided with the time it needs to 'clean', leading to further overstimulation.
Over the years, I have observed that some learners whom I have taught both within schools, and as private clients, have sub-optimal breathing patterns. For example, they may hold their breath when focused on a task or make small grunting noises as their brain reminds them to catch their breath. Others have exhibited challenges with focus and attention, which impacts their ability to maintain concentration on a task and may lead to exhaustion or hyperactivity at the end of a school day. At the same time, I have noticed that when incorporating mindfulness and a simple, child-friendly form of box breathing into the school day, how much calmer a class as a whole may be, along with an associated improvement in behaviour for learning immediately afterwards.
I have become increasingly interested in the link between our breath and our behaviour. Our breath is unique in that despite it being controlled involuntarily by our autonomic nervous system, we also have the ability to control it consciously. One of the benefits of breathwork is the positive impact this can have on nervous system regulation, should we choose to harness this inbuilt resource. Our breath is also free of monetary cost. As such, we have the ability to use our breath for the benefit of our mind and body. Although there is an increasing amount of research evidence in the area of breathwork, it is still a relatively 'new' field of interest and there is currently no clinical research evidence that has specifically considered breathwork as it relates to those with SEN or SpLD, despite the relationship between breathwork and improved performance having been proved in various scientific studies.
Looking to the future
The evidence is clear that functional breathwork is one tool by which the brain and body may be supported generally throughout the day and, more specifically, in states where either our cognitive or physical functions are put under pressure. Having researched various breathwork modalities, investigated the scientific evidence, worked through training courses and considered links between the theory and qualitative evidence from working with learners at school and as 1:1 clients, I believe that the ability to use our breath more effectively, at any age, to better regulate our nervous systems throughout the day and during times of peak pressure, such as prior to exams, entering an unfamiliar situation or when keen to put on a strong 'performance' in any academic, sporting or social situation would be of significant benefit. I intend to continue my own learning journey in this area and to look for further links between breathwork and behaviour.
Certifications
- Oxygen Advantage Functional Breathing Instructor