The Importance of Breathing

One of the more life-altering measures I have made in recent years is regularly attending contrast therapy. Contrast therapy involves alternating between the very hot (a sauna) and the very cold (a cold plunge). Initially I did contract as a way to recover from working out but quickly found the mental benefits to be the strongest aspect of contrast therapy.

When you are in sauna heated to more than 210 degrees, or a cold plunge set 45 degrees or lower, things become uncomfortable rather quickly. This is where breathing comes in. You are there in the hot or cold and at some point the discomfort is real. The same stresses your body undergoes during this time is similar to how the body feels during other stressful situations be it work or family or whatever. Focusing on your breath to diminish your stress level is such a powerful tool.

You’re not in danger in the sauna and cold plunge (as long as you stick to protocol). You are in discomfort. Same thing goes for workplace stressors. I am now better equipped to deal with the invariable spikes of stress in my job because i have been training to deal with the physical response my body has to stress in rather extreme environments. Like anything else with practice comes progress.

Christopher Borzell

Attorney

Morgan & Morgan

Christopher Borzell was born in Miami and moved with his family to the Tampa Bay area where he has lived for most of his life. In 2002, Chris received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida. From there, he followed his passion for law, to the University of Florida – Fredric G. Levin College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate in 2009.

Chris began his career as an attorney in civil litigation focusing on both first and third party insurance disputes. He devoted his first several years of practice to defending insurance companies and their interests including a position as trial counsel for one of the country’s largest insurance companies. Chris now utilizes his extensive experience gained through his representation of insurance companies to fight for the rights of the injured. Chris has volunteered his time at the Guardian Ad Litem Program, Three Rivers Legal Services, and Bay Area Legal Services Association.