"I'll Start Tomorrow" and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves

How to stop thinking about trying breathwork and actually make it part of your life (it’s so much easier than you think)

I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say, "I really should try doing breathwork"... only to run into them a few months later and they’re still saying the exact same thing.

I’ve done it too. Doesn’t everyone? The idea of starting any new practice can be overwhelming, especially when you're already juggling work, family, and all the other important things in life like trying to remember if you've had water today. (Not sure? Go grab a glass!)

But here's the thing: breathwork doesn't have to be another complicated item to squeeze onto your to-do list. In fact, it might be the simplest form of self-care for people with full lives.

Here’s how to actually start a breathwork practice without making it A Whole Thing™.

Get Clear on Your "Why"

Before you dive in, take a quick moment to ask yourself why you’re interested in breathwork.

Is it to manage the stress of running your business? To improve your mental clarity? To finally get decent sleep instead of mentally replaying your to-do list at 2 AM?

When you're clear on what's drawing you to breathwork, showing up for your practice gets a whole lot easier.

You can also set a specific intention anytime you sit down to breathe. Close your eyes, take a few breaths, and trust whatever comes to mind for you. Just be sure to frame it positively – i.e. “I want” rather than “I don’t want”.

Anytime you find your attention being pulled away from your breath, just come back to your reason(s).

Keep It Ridiculously Simple

The beauty of breathwork is that you don't need fancy equipment, a dedicated yoga room, or Instagram-worthy meditation cushions. You just need... well, you.

And you can start with just 5 minutes a day. That's it. Five measly minutes. It couldn’t be simpler:

• Find a comfortable seat (your office chair works fine!)

• Set a timer for 5 minutes

• Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts

• Hold for 2 counts

• Exhale through your mouth for 6 counts

• Repeat until your timer goes off

Done. That's a breathwork practice.

It’s easy to do breathwork from anywhere - no mudras (hand gestures) required.

The "No Excuses" Approach to Consistency

Let's be real – consistency is where most of us fall off the wagon. My solution? Anchor breathwork to something you already do every single day.

For example:

• The first 5 minutes once you sit down at your desk

• While your coffee is brewing

• Right after brushing your teeth

• Before opening your email in the morning

• When you close your laptop at the end of the day

And you can remind yourself to take mini breathwork breaks throughout the day too. My #1 place for doing breathwork is in my car, during red lights. Most traffic lights don’t last five minutes, but those shorter breaks add up (and feel a lot better than sitting there watching the clock or on my phone).

Morning, Afternoon, or Night? Yes

The perfect time to do breathwork is whenever you'll actually do it.

That said, different breathing techniques serve different purposes that work well at different times of day.

• Morning: Energizing breaths to start your day (like the Lion's Breath I shared last week)

• Afternoon: Balancing techniques with even pacing to combat that mid-day slump

• Evening: Slow, calming breaths with a lengthened exhale to signal your body that it's time to wind down

Experiment with each and notice what your body responds to. And remember – a 2-minute practice you actually do beats a 30-minute (or even 10-minute) practice you keep putting off.

Don't Make It Harder Than It Needs To Be

I've seen people get lost in breathwork complexity – trying to create a routine with 20 different techniques, setting aggressive goals, or thinking they need special props or apps.

You don't need any of that to start.

In fact, I challenge you to make this the easiest habit you've ever started. If you're feeling resistance, you're making it too complicated.

Just breathe. Notice what happens. Modify your pacing to fit how you want to feel. Repeat.

That's it.

Your First Week Challenge

Ready to actually start instead of just thinking about it? Here's your assignment:

1. Decide on ONE time in your day for breathwork

2. Set a daily reminder on your phone

3. Practice for 5 minutes at that time for 7 consecutive days

4. Notice how you feel before and after

At the end of the week, what did you notice? What felt challenging? What surprised you? I’d love to hear how it went for you.

Last Gasp

“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson

Remember, your breathwork practice is like any other skill in your toolkit – it gets more powerful with consistent use. If you’re looking for some breaths to add to your routine, I've put together a free "5 Breaths in 5 Minutes" toolkit with simple techniques specially designed for busy people. Grab it here!