Preparing for your festival breathwork session
Preparing for your session
Festivals are vibrant, busy environments - this session is an invitation to slow down and turn inward for a while. You don’t need to prepare perfectly, but a few small things can help you feel more comfortable and supported.
Comfortable clothing
If possible, wear loose, comfortable clothes without tight straps, belts or restrictive layers. If you’re coming straight from another activity, that’s absolutely fine - just adjust what you can to feel at ease.
Warmth and comfort
Your body temperature can sometimes drop during breathwork. If you have them with you, you may wish to bring warm layers, a blanket, pillow or cosy socks.
Hydration
Try to stay hydrated on the day and bring water with you if you can. It’s best to avoid alcohol or large amounts of caffeine immediately before the session.
Safety and self-awareness
Please read the contraindications below carefully and ensure you feel well enough to participate today. You are always in control of your experience - if anything doesn’t feel right at any point, you can pause, rest, or speak to us.
Supporting yourself after the session
Before attending, we encourage you to consider what support you may need afterwards and how you will look after yourself for the rest of the day. You’ll find some ideas at the bottom of this page.
What to expect if you’re new to Breathwork
Nicola works intuitively, responding in the moment to what presents itself. You will have some talking time before and a substantial period of breathwork. This consists of staying present, focusing on physical sensations and emotions and being guided through the possible tools of toning; movement; affirmations; touch and whatever in the moment is appropriate to release and allow the breath to fully flow. There will be time at the end to receive guidance and inspiration. You simply need to concentrate on your breath, relax, stay physically present, respond in the moment and experience whatever unfolds.
What might happen with a conscious connected breath?
Physical - tingling sensations, hot/cold temperature shifts. Typically, trauma release presents as the body shaking, juddering, quivering.
Emotions – all may surface, from joy to fear. There maybe a sense of what the emotion/s are about, vision/flashbacks, but not always. They may be pre-verbal.
It is possible to go unconscious, typically on an exhale, then consciousness resumed on an inhale. This is very normal /safe and can even be a blissful experience for some people.
Every session is different, so it is important not to judge good or bad. Integration takes up to 3 days after the session. It is typical to start processing from the time the decision is made to join the session.
Contraindications for sessions
Breathwork results in certain specific physiological and psychological changes. The work that we are doing is designed to give you the tools to manage every day stresses and can also unearth deeply held trauma.
As a precaution, the following conditions are contraindicated, please discuss with Nicola and understand your limitations if you have any of the following:
— Pregnancy
— Detached Retina
— Glaucoma
— High Blood Pressure (not controlled with medication)
— Cardiovascular disease including angina, previous heart attack or stroke
— Diagnosis of aneurysm in the brain or abdomen
— Uncontrolled thyroid conditions and diabetes
— Asthma; if the client is asthmatic, ask them to bring their inhaler to the session
— Epilepsy
— Prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or previous psychiatric condition
— Hospitalisation for any psychiatric condition or emotional crisis within the last 10 years
— Any other medical, psychiatric or physical conditions which would impair or affect ability to engage in any activities that involve intense physical and/or emotional release
Supporting Yourself After the Session
Breathwork can be a powerful experience, and festivals are stimulating environments. Taking a little time to think in advance about how you’ll support yourself afterwards can make a big difference.
Choose your next activity carefully
You may feel calm, open, emotional, or deeply relaxed afterwards. If possible, avoid jumping straight into high-energy or overwhelming activities. Give yourself space before returning to the intensity of the festival.
Eat and drink to ground yourself
Having something savoury and something sweet can help bring you back into your body. Drink plenty of fluids and continue to stay hydrated.
Be mindful of who you’re with
If you can, spend time with people who feel steady, kind and able to listen without judgement. You may want company - or you may prefer quiet. Both are completely valid.
Rest if you need to
You might feel tired or inward afterwards. If possible, allow yourself time to lie down, sit quietly, or return to your tent or accommodation. Consider in advance whether you’d like someone you trust to come with you.
Connect with the ground and the outdoors
Being outside may change how you process the experience. Festivals often take place in open, natural spaces, and you may find the integration feels different from a village hall or indoor 1:1 session. Sitting or lying on the earth, with the ground beneath you and open space around you, can support your body to process in its own way.