Generation on Edge

Why Teens Can’t Catch Their Breath and how belly breathing can be their hidden anchor

My son sits at the table: homework, messages, deadlines, TikTok in the background. Everything at once. His breath? Short, stuck high in his chest, barely moving. And I thought: This is what it looks like in thousands of teen bedrooms right now.

Teens are always on – reachable, pressured, bombarded. But inside, there’s no pause, no depth, no air. No wonder anxiety, sleep issues and overwhelm are skyrocketing.

What’s really happening

When the breath stays shallow, this kicks in automatically:

• Overbreathing or underbreathing. Too much or too little air – both keep the body in stress mode.

• Nervous system stuck on high alert. Heart races, thoughts speed up, muscles tense.

• No brake. Without calm breathing, there’s no clear signal: You’re safe.

This isn’t “just hormones” or a “teenage phase.” It’s biology. And unless we intervene, the body stays on edge.

Why belly breathing is so underestimated

We all breathe – sure. But how we breathe changes everything.

• Chest breathing: shallow, fast → keeps the alarm on.

• Belly breathing: slow, deep → tells the nervous system to switch off the alarm.

It’s not a trick.

It’s not a trend.

It’s built-in body intelligence.

Free.

Always available.

And instantly effective.

A mini reset: breathe into your belly

Sounds almost too simple – but it works:

1. Place one hand on your belly.

2. Inhale slowly through your nose until your hand rises.

3. Exhale for twice as long.

4. Repeat 5 rounds.

   
   

What happens?

• Your body restores its natural balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide – the chemistry your nervous system needs to calm down

• The vagus nerve – your inner brake – kicks in.

• Heartbeat slows, thoughts settle, and the body signals: You’re safe.

This is pure regulation.

Why schools need this

We keep talking about grades, screen time, mental health. All important. But no one teaches teens how to regulate their own nervous system.

Breath should be the easiest subject on every school schedule

– and it’s the one that’s missing.

my mission

I want my son – and your kids too – to have the role model we never had: to know that just a few breaths can change everything. That stress isn’t a dead end – it’s a state you can shift.

👉 Parents, schools, educators:

if you want teens to learn this tool, click here and make an inquiry.

And if you’d like to experience breathwork yourself schedule here – or book a session for your child or teen – you can easily schedule an appointment here

Because one thing is clear: Who controls their breath, controls their stress.