Episode 102: Why breathwork is prep work

18 Mar

What is breathwork? A bunch of woo or something deeper, more revealing?

In this episode of the Unconventional Business Podcast, I welcome back life coach and breathwork facilitator Sam Adams. Forget the "woo-woo" stereotypes - Sam brings a raw, relatable, and down-to-earth approach to a tool that is literally keeping you alive. We dive deep into how breathwork can be used as "prep work" for life’s most stressful moments, from the boardroom to the school run.

We talk about:

The "Expert" Myth: Why Sam is reclaiming the word "expert" after realizing she truly knows her shit, and how we often underestimate our own expertise and knowledge.

Keeping it Real vs. "The Gram": Sam discusses her unconventional approach and why being "down-to-earth and swearing a lot" makes breathwork more accessible for her clients.

The Rock Bottom Turning Point: Sam shares her story of facing three major life traumas simultaneously and how "conscious connected breathwork" finally pulled her out of a dark hole when talking therapy wasn't enough.

Breathwork as a Natural High: Exploring the "altered states" experience possible through breath alone - no banned substances required!!

The Nervous System Bridge: Understanding the breath as the physical bridge between your brain and your body, and how it can shift you out of a "frozen" or anxious state.

ADHD & Sensitivity: Why high sensitivity is actually a driver for your intuition, and how breathwork helps ADHDers reconnect with a body they may have felt disconnected from for years.

Mic-drop moments:

"Overthinking is under-feeling." Your brain thinks in loops to keep you "safe" from the discomfort of actually feeling your emotions. Breathwork forces you to stop negotiating with your thoughts and start listening to your body.
"Breathwork is Prep Work": Don't wait until you're in a crisis to breathe. Using it before a stressful meeting or a difficult conversation allows you to meet others from a regulated platform rather than a dysregulated one.
The "Efficiency" of Breathing: Just because breathing is automatic doesn't mean you're doing it efficiently. Sam explains how "default" breathing patterns (like holding your breath whilst checking your emails) can impact long-term brain and heart health.