What happens when you try to control your breath? You tighten. You grip. The effort to manage something that normally happens automatically can become another source of tension. So what actually helps when the pressure is on?

I talk with Erin Sandral, breath educator and founder of The Breath Place, about the relationship between control and allowing, and why she starts with awareness. We explore how breathing and the nervous system influence one another, why the body can respond to everyday stress as though we’re facing immediate danger, and how to work with the breath before a high-stakes moment without forcing it. Erin also shares practical exercises, including small breath holds, humming, the physiological sigh, and coherent breathing (five seconds in, five seconds out).

We also explore breath, impulse, and emotion in acting, including the Demidov “losing the body” exercise and the culture of calm.

Find Erin: thebreathplace.com | Instagram @the.breath.place

The Actor’s Nervous System explores the intersection of acting, embodiment, psychology, neuroscience, and the creative process. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Substack: @theactorsnervoussystem

If you’re an actor looking to develop your own process, I offer 1:1 acting coaching and self-tape feedback. Learn more at brianzane.com.

Support the podcast and writing: buymeacoffee.com/brianzane

Podcast created, hosted, and edited by Brian Zane.
Music by Penguinmusic from Pixabay.