Breathwork: a Somatic Solution to Rushing About in NYC
Techniques to incorporate a powerful somatic practice tailored for the urgency of NYC.
3 min read
In the bustling heart of New York City, the pace of life can often feel downright overwhelming. It can be hard to even fathom taking moments of solace for one’s self.
Celebrity Nutritional Biochemist, Dr. Libby Weaver's book, “Rushing Woman's Syndrome” introduces this concept of “Rushing Woman’s Syndrome” which may strike a chord with many of our clients in New York City, capturing the frantic pace and perpetual busyness that characterize our lives. Amidst the chaos, finding a path to balance and inner calm becomes essential.
Rushing Woman's Syndrome is not just a concept; it's a reality for many navigating the fast-paced rhythm of New York City.
What is “Rushing Woman's Syndrome”?
Dr. Libby Weaver, sheds light on Rushing Woman's Syndrome—a modern affliction that affects countless women. It's a state where constant rushing, multitasking, and chronic stress take a toll on mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
For many in NYC, the pressure to excel in careers, maintain bustling social lives, and navigate the city's fast-paced environment contributes significantly to this syndrome. The need to keep up can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection from oneself.
Rushing Woman's Syndrome is not just a concept; it's a reality for many navigating the fast-paced rhythm of New York City.
Fortunately, New York City offers a diverse landscape of cutting-edge healing modalities. Somatic therapy, in particular, stands out as a powerful approach that acknowledges the mind-body connection. Many of our therapists at Downtown Somatic Therapy employ this in our work with clients. Through the process of therapy as well as a space to slow down from the rush– individuals can pave a path towards healing, resilience, and a more centered existence in this vibrant metropolis.
“Between the overstimulation, lack of personal space, and professional grind, many New Yorkers benefit from a weekly space to discharge the build-up of stress that accumulates from everyday life,” describes Sarah Shuster, a therapist at Downtown Somatic Therapy.
The Healing Power of Breathwork
One potent tool within somatic therapies is breathwork—a practice deeply rooted in ancient traditions but powerfully utilizes the mind-body connection. Dr. Libby Weaver's insights align with this, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and reconnecting with our breath to counter the effects of” Rushing Woman's Syndrome.”
“Science tells us the only way we can consciously affect our Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is with our breath.”
Science tells us the only way we can consciously affect our Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is with our breath. What is the Autonomic Nervous System or ANS? The ANS has the all-important function of sensing our internal environment. After processing this information from our external environments, it regulates its function. As the name autonomic implies, it is totally independent of conscious thought.
Breath is the key to shift aspects of our biochemistry and having a hand in cultivating inner peace and calm. It’s much like a duckling following their parental ducks, our ANS always follows the leader – the leader, in this case, being breath.This is why it’s significant that the breath is the only part of your ANS that CAN be controlled consciously. Your body follows the lead of your breath. While breathing is something we constantly do, it is important to highlight its power to both positively and negatively affect us.
“Not much communicates safety in the body more than breath.”
Breath promotes the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (or “the Rest-and-Digest” response). Notice that if you breathe in a shallow, hurried way, this is how we breathe when feeling stressed. It also communicates to your body that you’re in danger! Whatever it was that had you breathing shallowly — a deadline, your loved one expressing unkindness, or otherwise — the body can’t recognize the difference between a lion and a deadline. How you breathe is also a fast track to more anxiety and panic.
On the flip side, long, slow breaths that move your diaphragm communicates that you are very safe, indeed. Nothing regulates the production of stress hormones such as cortisol more powerfully!
Tips for Leveraging Breathwork for Inner Harmony
To leverage the power of breathwork, you don’t need fancy techniques. Start by…
Making sure your belly moves in-and-out as you breath (not just your upper chest).
Begin by allowing the lower belly to expand as if a balloon. Then proceed to imagine, as the breath slowly continues, that the expansion of your belly has now extended up into the area where you can feel your rib cage meet. Maybe even place a hand on your belly to support.
Keep your slow inhales going, until your upper chest feels as if it is pushing your rib out to the sides/peripherals of your body.
Rather than holding your breath at the top, allow the exhalation to begin, reversing the order of the movement: chest emptying first, then the middle, and your belly last.
Note: This may feel really strange at first or even a bit challenging like you are not able to get parts of the body to engage. It takes practice.
The parts of you that come back online will be thrilled!
According to, Stephanie Alirkan, a therapist at Downtown Somatic Therapy, “Breathwork techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing and mindfulness-based practices, offer a gateway to a calmer state of being. By consciously engaging with our breath, we can regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of presence amid the chaos.”
Integrating Breathwork into NYC Lifestyles with “Breathing Dates”
In a city known for its relentless energy, incorporating breathwork into daily life can seem understandably daunting. However, simple practices like taking mindful breath breaks during subway rides or dedicating a few minutes to deep breathing exercises amidst a busy day can make a significant difference. If you’re having trouble, try the following…
Schedule it. If it’s not scheduled - much like your weekly therapy appointment - it’s not getting done.
Really, truly make appointments with yourself to breathe. Maybe even tacking it onto an already existing habit such as waiting for kettles to boil, preparing your morning beverage–especially beneficial for your health if this new habit is replacing rushing around and multi-tasking 50 tasks at once.
Book an appointment with yourself on the calendar, and call it “Breathing Date.” We tend to stay quite accountable to others vs. ourselves, keeping our work appointments and friend coffee dates, but it’s not always as easy to stay accountable to our own well-being.
If this proves to be difficult, you’re not alone. It’s precisely this reason somatic therapies have gained in popularity in NYC. Individuals can embark on a journey toward reclaiming inner balance, fostering resilience, and nurturing a deeper connection with themselves in the midst of urban hustle. For delving deeper into the blocks that stop us from prioritizing our well-being, schedule a consultation to one of our therapists.