Why Taking a Deep Breath Doesn't Always Work

When you’re nervous or stressed out and you can’t calm yourself down, taking a deep breath is maybe the most common advice you’ll get (maybe even from yourself!). And it can make a difference. But the experiences of my students make me think that it’s not always as effective as we think it is.

Why is that? Often it’s because the image of a deep breath we have in our minds makes a lot of noise and tightens a lot of muscles, but doesn’t actually move that much air into our lungs. The actual softening and opening of the airway, lungs, and torso that go into a deep inhalation can be very counter-intuitive. I want to straighten out some misconceptions about how to take a deep breath, and share some techniques to help your body AND your mind let go of tension so you can use your breathing to its full potential.

Michèle Voillequé is a singer and a voice teacher living in Berkeley, California. 

Yes, you can sound better! Opt-in for a free video training on my website: https://mvmusik.com

A transcript of this episode is available at mvmusik.com/blog/cant-wait-to-hear-you-episode-52. You can subscribe to Can’t Wait to Hear You wherever you get podcasts. If you have a question about your voice or how you’re using it, please email letters@mvmusik.com. To learn more about Michèle or to subscribe to her newsletter, visit mvmusik.com.

Our music is thanks to Katya and Ada.

The show is edited by K.O. Myers at Particulate Media.

Transcript