Biohacking with Breathwork: The Future of Human Optimization

Biohacking is the art and science of optimizing the human body. It is about using practical, measurable strategies to improve mental clarity, physical performance, and overall resilience. While supplements, cold therapy, and wearable tech often get most of the attention, one of the most underutilized yet powerful tools for biohacking is breathwork.

Breathwork is the intentional practice of working with the breath to create real changes in how we feel, think, and perform. I’ve spent years teaching people how to use the breath as a tool for transformation. Whether you're trying to enhance focus, recover faster, or regulate your emotions, breathwork gives you a direct line to your nervous system, and it's available to you anytime.

What is Biohacking and How Does Breathwork Fit In?

Biohacking covers everything from sleep optimization and nutrition to red light therapy and nootropics. Breathwork belongs in this conversation because it taps directly into the autonomic nervous system. When you learn to control your breath, you influence heart rate, stress hormones, brain function, and more.

Unlike many biohacking tools that require expensive gadgets or lab testing, breathwork is free. It requires awareness, consistency, and the right approach. That is why more people are realizing how powerful it is for boosting energy, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

How High Performers Use Breathwork

Elite athletes, executives, and tactical professionals have known for years that how you breathe shapes how you perform. I have worked with people from all of these backgrounds, helping them develop breathwork routines that prepare them for high-stakes situations.

Box breathing is one technique that Navy SEALs use to stay calm and collected under pressure. Athletes train with nasal breathing and breath holds to improve oxygen efficiency and CO2 tolerance. Professionals often rely on slow cadence breathing to manage anxiety and stay sharp in fast-paced environments.

Some of the key benefits I’ve seen include:

• Better oxygen delivery to muscles and the brain

• Lower baseline stress levels

• Improved recovery and sleep quality

• More emotional control throughout the day

These are not abstract benefits. They show up in improved heart rate variability, lower cortisol levels, and better performance metrics.

👉Related Read: If you're struggling with restlessness, try integrating techniques from how breathwork improves sleep quality and recovery into your evening routine.

Combining Breathwork with Other Biohacking Tools

Breathwork also amplifies the effects of other biohacking strategies.

Cold Exposure:

I often guide clients through cold training sessions where breath control plays a major role. The right breathing patterns help calm the nervous system and allow the body to adapt more effectively to cold stress.

Red Light Therapy:

Breathing slowly and intentionally during red light sessions can shift you into a parasympathetic state. That means more relaxation, better recovery, and more efficient cellular repair.

Meditation and Nootropics:

Breathwork clears mental noise. When used before meditation or deep work sessions, it helps nootropics work better by reducing background stress and improving focus.

When used alongside these tools, breathwork sets the foundation for deeper results. It tunes the system so everything else works better.

My Approach to Breathwork and Biohacking

My goal has always been to make breath training accessible and practical. In my book A Practical Guide to Breathwork book I break down techniques that anyone can use. My coaching programs and courses are built for real life—whether you’re a parent, a competitive athlete, or someone just looking for more control over your health.

One area I emphasize is CO2 tolerance. This is a game-changer that many people overlook. Breath-hold practices and slow nasal breathing help increase your body’s comfort with higher carbon dioxide levels. The result? Better stamina, more efficient oxygen use, and improved focus under pressure.

👉Related Read: To see how these scientific principles apply practically, check out practical breathing techniques for everyday.

Real-World Results

I’ve seen clients improve their workout recovery, sleep better, and feel more mentally clear with just a few minutes of breathwork each day. One client combined breath training with cold exposure and saw real gains in cardiovascular resilience. Another used daily resonant breathing to reduce stress at work and sleep more soundly.

These aren’t rare results. With the right instruction and a little consistency, breathwork helps people across different lifestyles and goals.

Getting Started

You don’t need a lab or expensive gear to get going. Start by practicing slow nasal breathing for five minutes each morning. Once that becomes easy, try adding box breathing or a simple CO2 tolerance exercise.

If you want help building a personalized plan, I offer breathwork coaching sessions designed around your specific needs. I also run advanced breathwork courses for those ready to explore the science and application of performance breathing.

You can find more at jessecoomer.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is breathwork a replacement for other biohacking tools?

No. It complements other strategies. Breathwork helps cold exposure, red light therapy, nootropics, and meditation work better by preparing the body and nervous system.

Can I start breathwork if I’m new to biohacking?

Absolutely. Breathwork is one of the easiest and safest entry points. It gives fast results and builds a foundation for other practices.

How often should I practice?

Five to ten minutes a day is a great place to start. What matters most is consistency, not duration.

Is there real science behind this?

Yes. Breathwork is backed by research in stress physiology, cardiovascular health, nervous system regulation, and cognitive performance.

Final Takeaway

Breathwork isn’t just another trend in wellness. It is one of the most effective, accessible tools we have for human optimization. Whether your goal is better focus, greater endurance, or less stress, breathwork gets you there faster.

Start with what feels manageable. Stick with it. And when you're ready, join me for a session or dive into one of my courses.

Let’s breathe with purpose and see how far it can take us.