29/03/2026
As you begin to notice your breath…you might start to realise it’s telling you a lot more than you thought.
Short, shallow, or tight breathing in the upper chest
is often a sign your nervous system is in a fight or flight stress response.
When the brain senses a threat, even an imagined one,
the body responds in a protective way.
A cascade of stress hormones is released, the breath becomes shallow, and the muscles and fascia become tense, primed for action.
In this state you might notice:
• racing or looping thoughts
• reacting more quickly
• feeling on edge or defensive
• difficulty making grounded decisions
• tension in the body
• disrupted sleep
Over time, this can become a habitual response and pattern, keeping your body and mind stuck in a loop
where shallow breathing, tension, and anxious thoughts continue to reinforce each other.
Your breath isn’t just reflecting how you feel, it’s also influencing it.
This is a cycle.
Which also means…it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to shift your state!
