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WellBEing Wins w/ Debbey Woodruff – Want to Change Your Mood? – Just Breathe

Debbey Woodruff, Owner Breakthrough! WellBEing

In 2019, stressed out and searching for solutions, I found a podcast: “How to Breathe Correctly” by Andrew Huberman.
I’m breathing incorrectly? How so? Breathing is automatic… right?

But I learned something unexpected: breathing well isn’t always automatic. Breath and mood are deeply connected—and by changing how I breathe, I can shift how I feel.

Breath & the Nervous System: Did you know each part of your breath links directly to your nervous system?

Inhale
When you inhale, your body draws in oxygen and gathers circulating carbon dioxide (CO₂). That CO₂ buildup activates your sympathetic nervous system—your fight/flight mode.

Fun fact: The more your lungs expand, the more CO₂ they can collect.

Exhale
During the exhale, oxygen circulates through your body (supporting brain function), and CO₂—the stress trigger—is released. This process activates your parasympathetic nervous system, or your rest/restore state.

Longer exhale = more CO₂ released = more calm

Breathing to Meet Your Needs:

Your breathing naturally shifts based on your perception of safety or stress:

Under pressure? Breathing becomes shallow and quick.
At ease? Breathing deepens and slows.

Here’s the catch: your body responds the same whether the “threat” is a real emergency, a tough email, or a deadline. But the good news is, you can take control. Consciously adjusting your breath can shift you into a calmer, clearer state.

Goal: Symmetrical, steady breathing to stay alert and grounded.

Tune In

Notice your breath: Is it shallow? Uneven? Do you hold it without realizing?
Now, check in with your mood. Stress and fog may be tied to how you’re breathing.

Breathing & Mood:

Longer inhale → More energy, tension, or focus
Longer exhale → More calm, creativity, and clarity
Deep, symmetrical breath → Clearer thinking (consistent oxygen!)

Breathing Consciously Changed Me: I realized I was often taking shallow breaths—or forgetting to breathe altogether. That explained some of my stress and fog! Once I tuned in, I started shifting my breathing on purpose—and it changed everything. Today, I feel clearer and calmer. And, breathing practices are free, instant, and always available when I need them.

Go To Breathing Techniques:

Physiological Sigh (for calm):

Inhale deeply through your nose
Add a short second inhale
Exhale slowly through your mouth

Your body does this naturally after crying—it helps release CO₂ and tension.

Bellows Breath (for energy):

Sharp nose breaths in/out ~10-20 times
Hold breath after exhale
Resume breathing when needed

It boosts oxygen and sharpens focus.
Stop if dizzy! Don’t practice if pregnant or have high blood pressure.

WellBEing Wins - w/ Debbie Woodruff — WellBEing Wins – w/ Debbie Woodruff

Debbey Woodruff – Your WellBEing Guide – is a certified yoga teacher and mindfulness practitioner who specializes in heart-centered practices that optimize physical, mental and emotional health. She guides others toward Whole-body Optimized WellBEing helping them reconnect with their body, mind and spirit. Debbie is the owner of Breakthrough! WellBEing Phone: 704-881-4912 and email: [email protected]

Debbey Explains Yoga Therapy

Discover the Power of Yoga Therapy with Debbey Woodruff! Through mindful movement, breathwork, and guided self-reflection, Debbey helps you reconnect with your body, calm your mind, and nurture lasting emotional well-being. Experience a compassionate, personalized path to healing and renewal.