Why Your Nervous System Loves Your Breath 

When it comes to health, strength, and movement, we often think of muscles, posture, or flexibility. But one of the most powerful tools you already have is something you use every single day, it's inside you and it's free!  — your breath.

Your nervous system loves your breath, and here’s why.

The Breath–Nervous System Connection

Every inhale and exhale communicates directly with your nervous system. When you breathe deeply and consciously, you signal to your body that it’s safe — shifting from “fight or flight” mode into a calmer, more grounded state.

This is called activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the branch responsible for rest, digestion, and healing.  Feeling safe.
On the other hand, shallow, rapid breathing keeps the body in “alert mode,” which can lead to tension, anxiety, and fatigue.

✨ Why Breath Matters in Pilates and Aerial Pilates

In both mat Pilates and Aerial Pilates, breath is the foundation.  It's the hardest part to do & the most important piece of the whole!

• Breath creates rhythm — it sets the pace for your movement.

• Breath supports alignment — helping you connect to your centre, to yourself and your powerhouse.

• Breath calms the mind — reducing overwhelm so you can focus, even when the hammock or life feels challenging.

When teaching or learning Pilates or Aerial Pilates, proper breathing not only enhances strength but also makes movements feel fluid and more accessible for all levels.

🌸 Breath as Stress Relief

Your breath is a free, always-available tool for stress relief and nervous system balance. Just a few minutes of conscious breathing can

• Lower heart rate and blood pressure

• Release muscle tension (especially in the neck, shoulders & jaw)

• Improve focus and clarity

• Boost energy and mood

In other words, the nervous system thrives when you breathe well!   

🌳 Breathing as a Foundation for Growth

I often use reminders when I'm teaching - foundations first. Breath is the root and connection of each movement. When you learn to use it consciously, you create stronger movement patterns, deeper core stability, and more space for creativity in the air.

Just like a tree needs good soil, water, and sunlight to grow, your body needs the right breath to thrive.

💫 Ready to Explore More?

This is why I’ve made breath and nervous system regulation the very first lesson in my new series: Foundations in Focus: 5 Weeks of a Dose of Debbie.

It’s a free, bite-size learning journey into the building blocks of Pilates and Aerial Pilates.
👉 [Sign up here to join Foundations in Focus]

And if you’re ready to take it further, my Foundational Mini Training in November 2025 is the perfect next step — one live day online (with replay access), plus theory content, to give you confidence in hammock safety, spotting, and Pilates principles. 

Find out more about the Foundational Mini Training