Breathing may seem boring and unremarkable when it comes to dealing with emotional lows, life crises, or trauma.

Someone once wrote to me, “I can breathe without paying for it,” after I offered an online breathwork session to help with anxiety. Sure, we all breathe naturally without needing instruction, but very few people know just how much they can change through conscious breathing.

Here’s what you need to understand: our body’s functions are governed by the autonomic nervous system, which has two “branches”—the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. When the parasympathetic system is activated, we feel safe and relaxed. When the sympathetic system is activated, we’re ready for action, mobilizing energy, narrowing our focus, and preparing to defend ourselves if necessary. If the sympathetic system stays in overdrive, as it does for most people today, we end up in a constant state of stress, leading to a range of unwanted consequences: insomnia, skin issues, autoimmune diseases, migraines, allergies, anxiety, depression—the list is long.

The good news is that with conscious breathing, it’s often possible to calm the sympathetic nervous system and activate the parasympathetic system within minutes. This leads to a sense of relaxation and a shift from feeling like a helpless victim to becoming an empowered observer who’s in control. This simple act of taking control builds self-confidence.

Of course, it takes some practice to develop the awareness needed to recognize when you’re out of balance and to bypass any internal resistance that might arise. But once you master it, shifting into a breathing technique that brings your nervous system back into balance is incredibly empowering. This is what we call self-efficacy—knowing that you can actively influence how you feel.

It may sound simple, but the impact is profound. By mastering your breath, you can navigate life’s ups and downs with greater ease, resilience, and a newfound sense of inner strength. So, while breathing might seem trivial, the truth is that it’s one of the most powerful tools we have for achieving emotional balance and mental clarity.