Is Breath Boring?

Breathing—it’s something we do all day, every day, without thinking. But what happens when we do think about it? Turns out, the benefits are anything but boring.

In this episode of The Youthful Older Yogi, MJ explores and shares the surprising science of conscious breathing. You’ll hear:

• 🌬️ Fun facts about your amazing respiratory system
• 🏥 MJ’s post-surgery story and why doctors gave her a spirometer
• 📊 Research comparing conscious breathing with mindfulness meditation—and why breathwork often comes out on top for boosting mood, sleep, focus, and decision-making
• 💡 Simple techniques like box breathing, sama vritti (equal breath), and the powerful “cyclical sighing” breath—shown to be especially effective for lowering stress
• 🧘 A guided breathing practice you can try right now (don’t worry, it’s short and so simple!)
• 🙌 Tips for weaving breath awareness into everyday moments—before bed, while waiting in line, or ahead of a stressful conversation

Breath is universal. You don’t need to practice yoga to get more in tune with your breath—you’re already a breather, and that makes this episode for you (and all your friends).

✨ Takeaway: Conscious breathing is one of the simplest, most powerful tools we have to age well, stay resilient, and reconnect with the present moment.

Resources & References Mentioned:

• Studies on breathwork versus mindfulness meditation https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9873947/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20breathwork%20practices%2C%20particularly%20cyclic,one's%20breath%2C%20as%20in%20mindfulness
• Info and benefits on spirometers and post-surgical breathing exercises https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4302-incentive-spirometer

👉 If you enjoy this episode, please share it with a friend—after all, everyone you know is a breather too.