Why Your Breath Matters

By Debbie Wyer on 27 March 2026

Breathing is something we do thousands of times every day without thinking, yet the way we breathe is closely connected to how we feel, how we move, and how our nervous system responds to the world around us.

This is why breath awareness is such an important part of both Pilates and the MELT Method®.

Not because we need to "perfect" our breathing, but because learning to reconnect with our breath gives us a simple way to pause, listen, and support our body from the inside out.

"Let your breath untie the knots in your body and brain."
— Marie-Francois Mariette

Your Breath Is More Than Just Breathing

We take thousands of breaths every day, but our breathing patterns can change depending on what is happening around us.

When we feel stressed, anxious, rushed, or overwhelmed, our breathing often becomes faster and more shallow. Our body interprets this as a signal that we need to stay alert.

Over time, this can contribute to feeling tense, holding stress in the body, and finding it harder to truly relax.

The good news is that our breath is always available to us.

It can become a simple, natural tool to help us create a sense of calm and reconnect with ourselves.

The Diaphragm: Your Body's Breathing and Support System

Your diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that sits beneath your ribs. Most people think of it simply as the muscle that helps us breathe, but it plays a much bigger role.

The diaphragm is closely connected with your core, posture, and nervous system. When it moves well, it supports efficient breathing and helps create a sense of stability throughout the body.

Last year, I watched a livestream dissection exploring the anatomy of breath, and it completely fascinated me.
It was another reminder of just how connected our bodies are.

The diaphragm has relationships with the ribs, spine, abdominal muscles, neck, shoulders, and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports every part of us.

No wonder we often feel tension in these areas when our breathing becomes restricted.

Why Breath Affects How We Feel

When we hold our breath or breathe mainly into the upper chest, we often create unnecessary tension.

You may notice:

• Tight shoulders
• A tense jaw
• Stiffness through your upper back
• Feeling less grounded or balanced
• Difficulty switching off after a busy day

This is why breath awareness is such a powerful part of movement practices like Pilates, MELT, and meditation.

By slowing down and paying attention, we give our nervous system a chance to settle.

Breath, Touch and Body Awareness

One of the things I love about MELT is the combination of gentle touch, sensory awareness, and breathing.

Our bodies respond beautifully to kind, supportive input.

When we slow down enough to notice how we feel, we strengthen the connection between our brain and body. We begin to recognise where we are holding tension and what we might need in that moment.

This isn't about forcing the body to change.

It's about creating the right conditions for the body to respond.

A Gentle Ribcage Breathing Practice

This simple practice can be done anywhere and takes just a few minutes.

Step 1
Stand comfortably with your feet hip-width apart. Soften your knees and allow your spine to lengthen.

Step 2
Place your hands around the sides of your ribcage.
Relax your shoulders.
Breathe in gently through your nose and slowly breathe out through your nose.
Notice how your ribs move.

Step 3
Notice whether one side feels different from the other.
There is no need to change anything—simply become aware.

Step 4
Using your fingertips, gently rub up and down one side of your ribcage, or softly tap with an open hand for 30–60 seconds.
Keep breathing naturally.

Step 5
Place your hands back on your ribcage.
Take another breath.

Ask yourself:
Does this side feel softer?
More spacious?
Easier to move?

Repeat on the other side, and if you wish, explore the back of your ribs too.

Small Moments of Self-Care Matter

This simple practice may not feel significant at first.

But taking a few moments to pause, breathe, and reconnect with your body is a powerful act of self-care.

Especially if you've spent years putting everyone else first.

Your body deserves your attention too.

You deserve to feel more ease in your body.

You are allowed to take time for yourself.

You are worth the care you so often give to others.

The next time you notice yourself feeling tense or overwhelmed, try returning to the simplest tool you already have.

Your breath.

If you try this practice, I'd love to hear how it feels for you. Did you notice a difference in your breathing, your movement, or how your body felt afterwards?