What are the differences between breathwork and meditation?

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

There has been a growing interest in practices promoting mental and physical well-being in recent years. Breathwork and meditation are two such practices that have gained popularity, and while they both have similarities, they also have key differences that set them apart. Below, we will explore the differences between breathwork and meditation and examine the benefits of each practice.

Breathwork: What it is and How it Works

Breathwork is a practice that involves using specific breathing techniques to bring about a desired state, such as relaxation or increased energy. The focus of breathwork is on the physical sensations of breathing, and the goal is to use the breath to bring about a change in the body and mind. Breathwork can be performed lying down, seated, or in movement and can range from slow and calming breaths to more rapid and dynamic breaths.

One of the key benefits of breathwork is that it can help to reduce stress and anxiety by bringing the body into a state of relaxation. By focusing on the breath, you can distract your mind from the stressors of daily life, which can help lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm. Breathwork can also help to increase energy levels by boosting the supply of oxygen to the brain, and it can be an effective tool for managing pain and discomfort.

Breathwork Example

Here is an example of a simple breathwork exercise you can try:

Find a comfortable seated position on the floor or in a chair, with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth to help you relax and become more present.
Begin to breathe in deeply through your nose, filling your lungs all the way up to your diaphragm, and then exhale slowly through your mouth, making a gentle “ha” sound as you release the breath.
As you continue to breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth, focus on the sensation of the breath moving in and out of your body. You may also find it helpful to visualize the breath as a wave, flowing in and out of your body with each inhale and exhale.
Repeat this breathing pattern for several minutes, gradually allowing your breath to become slower and deeper. You may notice that your body feels more relaxed and centred, and your mind becomes more calm and focused.

This is just one example of a breathwork exercise; another example can be found here. There are many other techniques and styles of breathwork that you can explore, and it’s important to find the one that works best for you to practice regularly so that you get to experience the full benefits of breathwork.

Meditation: What it is and How it Works

Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to increase awareness, calmness, and insight. Meditation is typically performed in a quiet and comfortable space, such as a quiet room or a park, and the goal is to bring the mind into a state of stillness and concentration. It can be performed sitting or lying down, and it can involve focusing on the breath, repeating a mantra, or visualizing a peaceful scene.

One of the key benefits of meditation is that it can help to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and promoting a sense of peace. By focusing the mind on a specific object or thought, you can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and control over your thoughts and emotions, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Meditation can also help improve focus and concentration and can be an effective tool for managing pain and discomfort.

Meditation Example

Here is a simple meditation exercise you can try:

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. You can sit on a cushion or chair with your back straight and your hands resting in your lap.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Allow yourself to relax and let go of any tension or stress.
Bring your attention to your breath and observe the sensation of the breath moving in and out of your body. You can focus on the sensation of the breath at your nostrils, chest, or abdomen, wherever you feel it most vividly.
As you continue to breathe, your mind may wander, and thoughts may arise. When this happens, simply notice the thought without judgment and gently bring your attention back to your breath.
Focus on your breath and observe any thoughts or sensations that arise, allowing them to come and go without getting caught up in them.
You can do this for a few minutes, gradually increasing the length of your meditation session as you become more comfortable with the practice.

Remember, meditation is a practice that takes time and consistency to see its full benefits. You can try different styles of meditation to find the one that resonates with you the most. For some ideas on how to begin a meditation practice, click here.

Both breathwork and meditation can be effective tools for promoting mental and physical well-being. While they both have similarities, such as the goal of reducing stress and promoting relaxation, they also have key differences, such as the focus of the practice and the physical sensations involved. By incorporating both practices into your self-care routine, you can experience the full range of benefits each practice offers. So why not give breathwork and meditation a try and see how they can benefit you?

Why not look at our blogs for more information, hints and tips? For more information on understanding the mechanics and benefits of breathwork, click here. Remember to tag us in your breathwork and meditation photos at @surrender_to_happiness.

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