The week I forgot to breathe

My breathwork routine was clicking. Consistent practice at least five days a week for at least five minutes each session. Then the holidays hit.

I went a full week without a structured breathwork routine. No dedicated breathing time. Just random sessions.

The difference was real

Remember how I wrote about discovering flexibility in breathwork? About finding ways to practice both scheduled and spontaneous breathing?

This week taught me something different. There’s a big gap between flexible practice and no real practice.

When I had structure, my days felt calmer. My response to stress was stronger. Without that foundation, the NYC hum of extra energy crept in.

The “fitting it in” trap

For me, when breathing exercises become something I “fit in,” they stop being consistent.

All mindful moments are helpful. Yes. As I’m just starting out though, they’re not enough to build the breathwork muscle I’m looking for at the moment with my meditation practice.

So back to dedicated sessions. The ones where my nervous system gets the message that it’s time to relax.

Five minutes feels substantial when you’re dedicating it to intentional breathing practice. And it’s totally doable.

Structure isn’t rigid

I’m not talking about breathing exercises at exactly 7:23 PM every single day.

Structure means consistency in my wellness routine. It means treating this mindfulness practice as important enough to protect time for it.

Some days that might be morning breathing exercises. Other days evening meditation.

The timing can flex. The commitment to at least 5 times a week of practice shouldn’t.

The flexibility I wrote about last week? That’s the bonus. Consistent structure is the foundation.

Bottom line: If you’re new to breathwork, treat it like any other important wellness practice. Give it real time. Real consistency.

What helps you stay consistent with mindfulness practices?