How 5 minutes of breathing could change your day

Forget Hyrox. Forget adrenaline-filled CrossFit sessions. Forget bone-chilling cold plunges.

A quieter wellness trend is taking hold as more South Africans explore the power of just breathing.

Beyond traditional workouts and gym sessions, breathwork is emerging as a simple, free and accessible way to improve our mental and physical health.

According to certified breathwork practitioner Niki Seberini, you see benefits in just five minutes a day.

"For those five minutes, focus on breathing slowly and focus on breathing from the diaphragm, between the belly button and the ribs."

ALSO READ:

On a fitness/body transformation journey? Beware the quick fixes on social media

New year, new me: How to set realistic fitness and weight loss goals for 2025

She says the effects of breathing in this way are noticeable almost instantly.

"It starts to impact your heart rate variability, your blood pressure, and it improves your lung capacity."

And what's more, says Seberini, you can do it anywhere!

"You can take your five minutes in the shower, while you're driving, while you're cooking, even while you're working."

She explains why some beginners might become lightheaded at first.

"Sometimes when you start to focus on these slower breaths, these deeper breaths, you start to really get a lot of oxygen to the brain that we're not used to."

ALSO READ: Hollywood's 'bulking for a role' trend isn't for everyone

To listen to Seberini on 702/CapeTalk, use the audio player below: