How to Start a Breathwork Practice (Without Feeling Silly)

A beginner’s guide for women who are curious but hesitant

Let’s be real: sitting in your living room, eyes closed, taking deep breaths while the dog stares at you like you’ve lost your mind… can feel weird. Add in a YouTube voice whispering “inhale the light, exhale the shadows,” and suddenly you’re wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into.

If this sounds familiar—welcome. You’re not alone.

Breathwork can feel awkward at first, especially if you're used to powering through life, always “on,” always doing. But the truth is: there’s nothing more natural than breath. You’ve been doing it since the moment you were born. A breathwork practice simply helps you pay attention to it and that’s where the magic begins.

Here’s how to ease into it, without the self-conscious cringe.

1. Start Small (Like, Really Small)

Forget the 30-minute sessions for now. Begin with two minutes. Set a timer, close your eyes, and gently breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. No technique, no pressure. Just notice what it feels like to breathe when you’re actually paying attention.

Bonus tip: do it in the shower, in the car, or before you get out of bed—anywhere it feels safe and comfortable.

2. Anchor It to Something You Already Do

Habit-stacking works wonders. Try five deep breaths every time you brush your teeth, pour coffee, or log onto Zoom. It becomes less “I’m doing a weird breathing thing” and more “this is just part of my rhythm now.”

3. Give That Inner Critic a Seat… and Then Breathe Past Her

You might hear: “This is dumb,” “What am I even doing?” or “I’m not doing it right.” That voice is just your brain adjusting to something new. Don’t fight her. Just notice her and keep going. (And maybe breathe with her—she probably needs it, too.)

4. Choose a Breath Style That Feels Good in Your Body

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Some people love structured breathing like box breathing (inhale-4, hold-4, exhale-4, hold-4), while others prefer intuitive, free-flowing breath. Try different methods until something clicks. You don’t need to master them, you just need to feel more you when you do them.

5. It’s Okay to Laugh

If you snort mid-breath or feel ridiculous halfway through, laugh. Please. Breathwork isn’t supposed to be stiff or serious. It’s about softening, reconnecting, and feeling what’s real. And sometimes, what’s real is a case of the giggles. Let it happen.

6. Find a Guide Who Feels Like a Friend

If solo breathing feels too foreign, try a guided session. Look for someone whose voice makes you feel at ease—not like you’re being led through a performance. (Shameless plug: I lead beginner-friendly breathwork through Breathe Alaska that’s as grounding as it is gentle.)

You Don’t Need to Do It Perfectly, Just Consistently

Perfection is not the goal. The goal is presence. One breath at a time. One pause in your day. One moment where you choose yourself.

You don’t have to believe in anything mystical. You just have to believe you’re worthy of a moment to breathe.

And I promise…you are.

Want to try a guided beginner session?
Check out www.breathe-alaska.com or join us for a gentle virtual class designed for women just like you…curious, thoughtful, and ready to reconnect with themselves (without the weirdness).

Your breath is waiting.

Blog photo courtesy of Creatas Images