Do You Know How to Breathe Through Your Belly Button?

Hey, Innovators! It’s your canine co-coach checking in. You’ve been doing great—spotting triggers, reframing stress, and making progress.

But today, the pressure hit, and suddenly… your mind was racing faster than a squirrel across the backyard. What now?

Let me introduce you to a trick I call Breathing Through Your Belly Button.

Okay, I know I don’t have a belly button (or opposable thumbs, but let’s not dwell on that). This technique is about engaging deep diaphragmatic breathing, calming the vagus nerve—your built-in stress reset button. Just like how I shake off tension with a good stretch, this helps you regulate stress responses, bringing clarity and composure when you need it most.

And yes, this is backed by science (not just my impeccable instincts). Studies show diaphragmatic breathing improves recovery, resilience, and focus—kind of like how I train my reaction time chasing tennis balls. It’s not just about how fast you go but how well you recover. Leadership under pressure works the same way.

Here’s How to Do It:

🐾 Belly Focus: Place a hand on your stomach—this ensures you’re breathing deeply, not just shallow chest puffing. 🐾 Deep Inhale: Breathe in slowly through your nose, expanding your lower abdomen (think: relaxed but alert, like a pup before zoomies). 🐾 Pause: Hold for a moment, letting oxygen circulate through your diaphragm. 🐾 Slow Exhale: Breathe out through your mouth, activating your vagus nerve and shifting into calm mode. 🐾 Repeat Until Grounded: Keep going until you feel centered again—like resting in a sunny spot after a long walk.

Perfect for High-Stakes Moments!

Best part? You can do this in a meeting, on a Zoom call, anywhere. No one will notice—but you’ll feel clearer, calmer, and more in control.

Next time tension rises, trust your breath—it’s your anchor (and nearly as powerful as a wagging tail for shifting energy).