Breathing is the most basic thing we do — around 20,000 times a day — yet most of us have never been taught how to do it well. In Episode 17 of Well, That’s Awkward, hosts Susan Osman and Rachel Branson uncover the surprisingly dramatic world of breathing, breathwork and the hidden ways our breath affects wellbeing, stress, sleep and even facial structure.
If you’ve ever been told to “just take a deep breath” and felt it didn’t really help… this episode is for you.
Mouth Breathing vs Nasal Breathing: Why It Matters
One of the biggest revelations in this episode is the difference between mouth breathing and nasal breathing — and why chronic mouth breathing is increasingly linked to:
- poor sleep quality
- heightened stress and anxiety
- fatigue and brain fog
- jaw and facial development changes
- dry mouth, dental issues and snoring
Susan and Rachel explore the science behind nasal breathing and why something as simple as how we breathe can profoundly impact nervous system regulation and overall health.
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Buteyko Breathing & Everyday Breath Awareness
The episode dives into Buteyko breathing, a technique focused on slow, nasal breathing and CO₂ tolerance, often used to support:
- anxiety and stress regulation
- asthma and breathing disorders
- improved sleep and relaxation
- calmer nervous system response
Rachel and Susan discuss how small shifts in breathing habits can create noticeable changes in daily wellbeing — without needing to overhaul your entire routine.
Wim Hof Breathwork, Cold Plunges & Controlled Hyperventilation
The conversation also explores more extreme breathwork practices, including Wim Hof breathwork — known for combining breathing techniques with cold exposure.
They unpack:
- why people willingly hyperventilate before ice baths
- how breathwork is used to increase resilience to cold stress
- the line between therapeutic challenge and “what am I doing with my life?”
- when breathwork can feel empowering… and when it leads to deep regret
This section brings humour to a practice that has gained huge popularity in wellness circles — and invites listeners to approach it with curiosity and caution.
Breathwork for Relaxation, Trauma Release & Emotional Regulation
Beyond performance and cold exposure, breathwork is also increasingly used for:
- stress reduction
- emotional processing
- trauma release
- grounding and relaxation
- energy regulation
Susan and Rachel talk about how breathwork can be both deeply calming and unexpectedly intense — and why breath is one of the most accessible tools we have for nervous system regulation.
Listen to Episode 17: Breathing… You’ve Been Doing It Wrong This Whole Time
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and at
WellbeingMagazine.com/podcast
New episodes drop every Monday at 6pm for Mocktail Monday — honest conversations, mocktails in hand and no filters required.
Why This Episode Matters
Breathing is something we do automatically — yet it influences almost every system in the body. This episode invites listeners to rethink one of life’s most basic habits and discover how simple awareness can lead to profound shifts in stress, sleep, energy and wellbeing.
Because sometimes the biggest wellbeing breakthroughs come from the smallest changes.
