The Bulletproof Musician

Can Breathing Really Help Reduce Anxiety? Or Is It Just a Cliché?

Noa Kageyama Episode 350

Can the right sort of breathing really reduce anxiety? The short answer is yes - but why?

A 2017 study illustrates how breathing could help reduce stress/anxiety, another 2017 study explains why, and a 2023 study highlights an unusual breathing technique that's worth trying!

Get all the nerdy details at: https://bulletproofmusician.com/does-just-breathe-really-help-us-lower-anxiety-or-is-it-just-a-total-cliche/

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Has performance anxiety been a nagging issue that tends to get in the way of your playing, no matter how prepared you feel before performances, auditions - or even lessons? Or have you just been feeling a little stuck, like you’re not making much progress in the practice room?

If you’ve been wanting to experience more joy in the practice room and play more like yourself on stage, but haven’t been quite sure how to make that happen, starting April 6, 2025, I’ll be teaching a live, online, 4-week class on the most essential mental skills and practice strategies that can make a difference in your practicing and performing.

We’ll meet once a week via Zoom and explore the relevant research in four essential areas, experiment with a curated set of exercises and techniques together as a group, and to make sure the ideas become consistent habits, I'll show you how to gently integrate these new skills into your (or your students’) daily practice through bite-sized practice challenges alongside a supportive group of practice buddies from around the world.

Registration closes Sunday, March 30, 2024.

Over 2000 musicians, educators, and students and learners of all ages have participated in the course to date. You can get all the details and learn how to join Cohort 22 at:

👉 bulletproofmusician.com/essentials