10 Tips for an Amazing Virtual (Online) Breathwork Session
10 Tips For a Safe Breathwork Session at Home
Have you been curious about breathwork but a little intimidated to attend a big group session? Maybe you’re not sure if you’re fully ready to commit to a private session? Or, maybe you want to commit to weekly practice and doing so without having to go anywhere would help you maintain that practice? If so, virtual sessions may be perfect for you. You can do so from the privacy of your own home in a space that is safe and comforting and receive guidance from a facilitator the whole time. And, if you ever feel uncomfortable, you can simply breathe through your nose and safely return to a normal state. I’ve put together 10 things you may want to consider if planning to attend a virtual session online.
If you do plan on joining a virtual breathwork session, make sure to read this in its entirety as it contains essential information that will help you get the most out of your session.
1. Be Mindful of What You Eat Just Before Breathing
Everyone is a bit different, but it may be more challenging to drop in or go deep if your stomach is overloaded and all of your energy is focused on digestion.
2. Prepare Your Space
It is best to do the session lying down on the floor. If you are laying down, please make sure to have enough space around if need be. Make certain your space allows you to be comfortable for an hour.
3. Test Your Sound Quality
You’ll want the music to be good quality. Over the ear headphones are ideal, earbuds also work. If you have a computer with great sound , that’s fine as well.
4. Make Sure Your Internet Connection is Stable
The better the internet connection, the better the sound quality will be. If using a mobile phone please make sure to install the Zoom app (available in the app store) before the session. And remember to make sure your laptop or mobile device is fully charged or plugged in for it to last the entire session. If you prefer to have the facilitator observe your breathing, make sure your camera is on and you are in view when laying down.
5. Minimize Disruptions During the Session
Turn off your phone and coordinate with family, housemates, and others to ensure an uninterrupted space. You may want to keep pets/animals out of your space as they will want to be near you and can cause disruptions for you.
6. Use a Blindfold or Sleeping Mask
You can just close your eyes if you prefer, but using a blindfold will support you if you are light sensitive.
7. No Drugs and Alcohol
It is best if you don’t ingest mind altering drugs or alcohol as it will have an impact on your experience.
8. Recommended to Have Nearby:
Lip balm to prevent your lips from getting dry
Tissues
Water
Blanket
A journal and pen
If you feel moved, you can create an alter with any items that are special to you
9. Setting an Intention:
Setting intentions can greatly enhance your experience as well as the potential to integrate growth and healing into your life. To create an intention you may reflect or journal on what your current needs are. Your intention may simply be, "What is motivating me to participate in the breathwork journey?”
10. Aftercare:
Set aside some extra time afterwards to integrate what you just experienced. Take time to do some journaling, a nature walk, a warm bath etc…
Timing & Flow
If you attend one of my sessions, this is what you can expect. I will open the Zoom room about 10 minutes before the official start time. Please arrive a few minutes before to get settled and test your zoom connection and sound levels.
During the session:
Introduction & Expectations
Restorative Breath, Grounding & Intention
50-minute Breathwork journey using the conscious connected breathing technique
Integration sharing circle and Q+A. This is a brief time for individuals to share their experiences if they choose to and I’ll also be answering questions. You do not need to stay on during this time if you do not wish to.
My sessions are live experiences, which means they will NOT be recorded in order to guarantee a safe and trauma-sensitive space.
Contraindications:
As a reminder: there are certain medical conditions for which it is not considered safe to participate in this type of breathwork.
If you have personal or family history of epilepsy, seizures, cardiovascular problems including angina or heart attacks, high blood pressure (not controlled w/ medication), aneurysms, glaucoma, retinal detachment, osteoporosis, or recent physical injuries, surgery or illness (particularly involving the mouth, teeth, nose, throat, thyroid, immune system, lymphatic system, lungs, chest, ribs, spine and reproductive organs)
If you are pregnant - it is important for the health and safety of both the mother and baby to maintain homeostasis during this time
If you have been under the influence of alcohol of any other mind altering substance within the 24 hours prior to the session
If You Are Under age of 18 you may not participate in this breathwork session without written parental consent
If you’re taking prescription blood thinning/anti-clotting medications such as Coumadin
If you have prior diagnosis by a health professional of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or severe psychiatric symptoms including active personality disorders and mental illness or taking take heavy medication.
If you have been hospitalized for any psychiatric condition or serious emotional crisis in past 10 years such as an attempted suicide, nervous breakdown or psychotic breakdown
If you have asthma, you are welcome to breathe, but you must have your inhaler available.
If you have any other medical, psychiatric or physical conditions which would impair or affect ability to engage in activities involving intense physical and/or emotional release.
If you’re not sure if these apply to you, please hold off from participating in a session and speak to your Doctor.
Experiencing a breathwork session in the comfort of your own home can be an amazing experience and I want to make certain you feel safe and supported. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me.