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The Power of Breath: Reduce Stress & Boost Energy
Unlock peak performance with mindful breathing! Learn how Ed Harrold’s breathwork techniques can enhance focus, energy, and overall well-being.
Anthony Markey
March 20, 2025
Mastering Mindful Breathing with Ed Harrold: The Key to Better Health and Performance
Today we meet Ed Harrold, a breathwork expert, author, and speaker who has dedicated his career to improving health and performance through mindful breathing. With his work studied by Harvard Medical Research and integrated into programs like Goldie Hawn’s MindUP, Ed is a true pioneer in the field of breath control and its impact on mental and physical well-being.
Ed's journey into breathwork started with his own need for healing. As a professional marathon swimmer, he pushed his body to extreme limits, following the “no pain, no gain” mindset that was dominant in the fitness world. However, after experiencing the wear and tear of rigorous training, he discovered therapeutic yoga and breath control, which changed the way he approached health and recovery. What started as a personal transformation soon evolved into a mission to help others unlock their potential through breath mastery.
How Breathwork Transforms Health and Performance
The Science Behind Breathing for Energy and Focus
Breathing isn’t just an automatic function it plays a critical role in how we think, feel, and perform. Ed explains that our respiratory patterns directly influence our nervous system, heart rate, and even our cognitive abilities. By learning to control the breath, we can manage stress, improve endurance, and enhance decision-making.
One of the most significant insights Ed shared is how nasal breathing can lead to:
✅ Increased energy efficiency—using less oxygen to produce more energy
✅ Better stress management—reducing cortisol levels and preventing anxiety
✅ Improved focus and cognitive function—helping professionals and athletes stay in the zone
"When the brain senses safety, it allows the body to burn fat as fuel instead of storing it. This leads to better endurance, lower stress, and improved performance in all areas of life." — Ed Harrold
The Power of Breathwork in Daily Life
Breath control isn’t just for elite athletes it’s for everyone. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone looking to improve overall well-being, learning how to breathe properly can be a game-changer.
A Simple Breathwork Exercise to Try Today
Ed shared a powerful yet simple breathing technique to reduce stress and increase focus:
1️⃣ Feet on the ground – Create a stable connection with the earth
2️⃣ Spine straight – Good posture enhances breath control
3️⃣ Inhale slowly through the nose – Breathe deeply into the belly (not the chest)
4️⃣ Pause for a moment – Let the air settle in the body
5️⃣ Exhale slowly through the nose – Release tension and relax
6️⃣ Pause again before the next inhale – Let the nervous system reset
Practicing this for just a few minutes a day can make a huge difference in how you handle stress and maintain clarity.
Why Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders Should Focus on Breathwork
As Ed explains, breathwork isn’t just for athletes it’s a tool for professionals to gain an edge in business and leadership.
✔️ Enhanced Decision-Making – Slower breathing keeps heart rate low, allowing access to deeper problem-solving abilities
✔️ Greater Emotional Intelligence – Helps regulate emotions, leading to better leadership and communication
✔️ Improved Sleep & Recovery – Affects energy levels, creativity, and daily productivity
Ed also touched on how breathwork impacts physical appearance and long-term health. Studies show that consistent mouth breathing can actually change facial structure over time, leading to health complications. Nasal breathing, on the other hand, supports posture, proper oxygen intake, and overall well-being.
"We were all born nasal breathers. Every animal on Earth breathes through its nose unless it's hunting or being hunted. That’s nature’s design, and we need to return to it." — Ed Harrold
How to Connect with Ed Harrold
If you’re intrigued by the power of breathwork and want to learn more, you can connect with Ed at:
🌐 Website: www.edharrold.com
📩 Newsletter: www.edharrold.substack.com
Ed offers one-on-one coaching, corporate training, and workshops designed to help people maximize their potential through breath control.
Final Thoughts: Breathe Better, Live Better
Breathing is something we do every day without thinking, but learning to breathe consciously can transform your health, focus, and overall success. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to improve productivity or simply someone seeking better well-being, mindful breathwork is a powerful, science-backed tool that is easy to implement into daily life.
If you’re ready to take control of your energy and stress levels, start paying attention to your breath. Try Ed’s breathing exercise today and see how a simple shift can make a massive impact!