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Breathwork Meets Adventure: How Freediving Boosts Your Relaxation and Resilience

Writer's picture: Curtis TredwayCurtis Tredway


Imagine taking the calming breathwork techniques you’ve perfected in a quiet studio or at home and applying them beneath the surface of the ocean. Picture yourself suspended in a world of blue, your body moving in harmony with the rhythm of the water, your mind focused on the simplicity of a single breath. That’s what freediving is—a natural extension of breathwork that not only pushes your limits but also deepens your practice in ways you never thought possible.


If you’re a breathwork enthusiast looking to elevate your skills and experience a unique blend of adventure and mindfulness, freediving might just be your next big leap. Let’s explore how freediving enhances your breathwork practice while boosting relaxation and resilience.


The Breathwork-Freediving Connection

Breathwork and freediving are, at their core, deeply intertwined. Both practices focus on the art of controlling your breath to calm the mind, relax the body, and maximise oxygen efficiency. In freediving, this connection goes a step further as you train your body to perform under the unique conditions of holding your breath while submerged.

Freediving takes the principles of breathwork—such as slow, deliberate breathing, relaxation techniques, and focus—and amplifies them in an environment that requires absolute mental clarity. You learn to manage your breath in a way that prepares you to hold it for longer periods, even when under physical stress.


Boosting Relaxation Through Freediving

One of the first things you learn in freediving is how to relax. That might seem counterintuitive when you’re holding your breath 10, 20, 30 or 50m underwater, but relaxation is the secret sauce to success. The more you relax, the less oxygen your body uses, and the longer you can stay underwater.


Freediving teaches you to let go of tension—not just physically, but mentally too. The moment you’re submerged, the distractions of everyday life fade away. You focus only on the present: your breath, your movements, and the rhythm of the ocean. This deep state of mindfulness is similar to what you experience during a breathwork session, but with an added sense of adventure.


Practical Tip: Even if you’re not planning to freedive, you can incorporate a freediver’s pre-dive breathing technique into your breathwork practice. Try this: inhale slowly for four seconds, exhale for eight seconds, and repeat for two minutes. This “breathe-up” calms your nervous system and prepares your body for relaxation. It can even help you fall asleep!


Building Resilience Through Stress Adaptation

Freediving also takes breathwork to the next level by introducing you to controlled stress. Holding your breath underwater might sound intimidating, but it’s an incredible way to train your body and mind to remain calm in high-pressure situations.


When you practice freediving, you’re essentially teaching your body to adapt to increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) while keeping a cool head. This doesn’t just make you a better diver—it translates into greater resilience in daily life. Breathwork practitioners often report feeling more grounded and capable of handling stress after incorporating freediving into their routines.


The beauty of freediving is that it’s not about forcing your body—it’s about trusting it. You learn that your limits aren’t as fixed as you might think. By practising patience and listening to your body’s cues, you can push past mental and physical boundaries, just as you do in breathwork sessions.


The Adventure Element: Making Breathwork Exciting

Let’s be honest—while breathwork has incredible benefits, it can sometimes feel a bit repetitive and some days it can be very hard to force yourself to sit still for 5 minutes, yet alone 30. Freediving adds an adventurous twist to the practice. Imagine diving down to explore vibrant coral reefs, gliding alongside schools of fish, or even encountering majestic marine life like turtles or manta rays.


Freediving combines the meditative aspects of breathwork with the thrill of adventure. It’s a way to immerse yourself in nature and feel a profound connection to the world beneath the waves. And the best part? Every dive is an opportunity to grow—not just as a freediver but as a breathwork practitioner.


Freediving Tips for Breathwork Practitioners

If you’re ready to give freediving a try, here are a few tips to ease the transition:


  1. Start with a Course: Freediving might look simple, but proper training is essential for safety and technique. A beginner course will teach you how to breathe up, equalise, and dive safely with a buddy.

  2. Practice CO2 Tolerance Drills: As a breathwork practitioner, you already have a great foundation. Build on it with exercises like static breath-holds or CO2 tables, which help your body adapt to higher levels of CO2.

  3. Focus on Relaxation: Remember, relaxation is key in freediving. Practice letting go of tension in your body and mind as you prepare for a dive.

  4. Stay Curious: Freediving is as much about exploration as it is about technique. Keep an open mind and enjoy the process of learning something new.


A Breathwork Journey Beyond the Surface

Freediving isn’t just a sport; it’s an experience that changes the way you think about breathing, relaxation, and resilience. By combining the meditative focus of breathwork with the excitement of underwater exploration, freediving offers a unique way to challenge yourself while staying connected to the principles you already value.

So, why not take your breathwork practice to the next level? Adventure awaits beneath the surface—and all it takes is a single breath to get started.


Ready to dive in?


Explore our beginner freediving courses at Deep Sensations Freediving and discover how breathwork can unlock a whole new world of adventure. Whether you’re looking to relax, build resilience, or simply try something new, freediving is the perfect extension of your practice.

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