Why your "Normal" breathing is actually a C-grade

I’ve finished seven Ironman triathlons and the Boston Marathon. I’m a data guy with degrees in Engineering and Economics, so I’m usually the one obsessed with the numbers. I thought my breathing was an A-plus at 12 breaths per minute.

I was wrong....

It’s actually a C-grade.

Rats.

Most of us are walking around failing at the one thing we do 20,000 times a day without even realizing it.

Last Friday, while I was riding my bike around Back Bay, I hit a pivotal moment. I shifted to the "optimal design" of 6 breaths per minute: 5 seconds in, 5 seconds out.

Suddenly, it was like I saw the sky in 4K HD for the first time. I noticed the clouds didn't just move sideways; they drifted up and down.

I’ve been deep in the science of how our cells talk to each other.

Here’s the truth: Erratic breathing is like a physical "panic button" for your nervous system. When you breathe fast and shallow, your body hijacks the blood meant for your focus and moves it to your "panic center."

You’re literally starving your focus to feed your fear.

Breathing isn't a symptom of stress: it’s the cause.

I watched my son, Jagger, who is a master of "monkey see, monkey do."

It dawned on me that we grow up in a world of erratic breathing and just accept it as "stress." We think the breath is just a tool, but it’s actually the cause of your constant overthinking and worrying.

Don’t take my word for it.

Try this "testable credential" right now:

Close your mouth. Inhale for five seconds, then exhale for five. Within three breaths, notice how the tension in your jaw just disappears. That’s the feeling of your "CEO brain" coming back online. You've just upgraded your performance from a C to an A.

This breath is the first of your Daily Dominos. It’s the lead action that stops you from coming home on a dead battery. I use the Daily Domino Scorecard to help my clients find the one win that'll unlock their momentum for the rest of the day.

See which domino needs to fall next for you: [Find My Lead Domino]​

LivFit 365 High-Performers

Let's take a moment to recognize the outstanding achievers who are building high-performance human systems.

Ruben Muela

Welcome to Gainzville Ruben! You are upgrading the human hardware to match your pro wrestler aesthetic. Building a more resilient ship together!

Victor Pereda, Andy Pereda & Dominic Almanza

Boom! This family crew crushed their Ironman 70.3 Triathlon by finding stillness in the chaos and cementing an epic family bond. You totally built a stronger ship!

Jesse Galeana

Drop the mic! Jesse drew the line and is rebuilding his foundation to engineer his absolute greatest self. The ultimate resilience upgrade.

Omar Guzman

Dr. Guzman it's not slowing down. He's caught the bug. He's caught the vibe and now he's got a full Ironman in his sight!

Krystal Guzman

Krystal took a massive injury and flipped the script. By dominating the bike she's Building a Stronger Boat! Absolute legend!

Glanda Phan

Massive birthday love to Glenda! She navigated the storm and is crushing scale victories while proving this lifestyle is baked into her DNA.

Anna Shad

Alert the media! Anna flipped the world for her by anchoring into the present moment to fully soak up her beautiful family. True mindful presence.

Fred Ghamari

Boom! Fred is blowing out the candles and aging in reverse by stacking pure strength and breathwork. You are the ultimate role model my man!

Kristin Erickson

The foundation is ready. The body is set. The mind is prepared. Kris just finished upgrading her internal hardware for peak performance.

Kim Travis

Kim's unlocking her ultimate superpower today. She's learning to completely trust her evolution while embracing true Mindful Presence daily. Pure fire!

Yes Ordorica

Drop everything! Yes's shattering ceilings by mastering The Breath. She's scoring major mental and physical breakthroughs like a total boss. Unstoppable!

Mike Celeya

Look out! While life spins wildly Mike's flawlessly Navigating Chaos. He's staying grounded in the storm to prove his ultimate grit. No excuses. Just Results.

Colleen Smith

Sound the alarm! Colleen totally rewired her internal hardware. By leveling up The Breath she has unlocked an epic life upgrade. Absolute magic!

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Please welcome my new families.

Your success is why I exist. I promise to do my absolute best to ensure you succeed.

George Sanchez

Welcome to the LivFit Fam. I'm grateful to serve you.

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Systems > Willpower, Tony Arreola Human Systems Engineer™ | LivFit 365™

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PS: Awareness's the fuel for change. You can't win a game if you aren't looking at the board. Take a second to update your Daily Domino Scorecard. It’s the fastest way for our entire community to see which lead domino needs to fall next.