Breath for Wellbeing & Anxiety Management
Breathe Well,
Live Well
We were (almost) all born breathing in a way that promotes self-healing, vitality, and calm. This is what we call functional breathing—a natural rhythm that supports your nervous system, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.
But modern life often disrupts this. Chronic stress, expectations, trauma, and daily pressures can keep us stuck in a state of hyper-alertness, where our breath becomes shallow, fast, or dysfunctional. Over time, this impacts not only our mental and emotional state but also sleep, focus, energy, and physical health.
This course is your safe space to reconnect with your breath, retrain your baseline breathing, and unlock long-lasting benefits for your body and mind.
Your breath shapes every aspect of your wellbeing. Let’s make it work for you, not against you.
“Used well, your breath is a superpower. Used the wrong way, it triggers a cascade of physical, emotional, and mental health issues.” SR
Breathe Calm, Live Well
"Strength isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about breathing better. Master your breath, and you master your stress, find clarity in chaos, and create space for calm and energy, even in life’s most demanding moments. Use your breath for strength."
Why Functional Breathing?
Your breath is the foundation of your health. Most people unknowingly breathe inefficiently, leading to a cascade of issues—from fatigue and anxiety to poor focus, sleep disturbances, and physical tension. Through functional breathing, you can:
✔ Ease chronic fatigue & anxiety – Calm your nervous system and shift to calm & ease.
✔ Improve oxygen efficiency – Boost energy, endurance, and vitality.
✔ Enhance focus & mental clarity – Stay sharp & composed in high-pressure situations.
✔ Regulate emotions & reduce reactivity – Feel more grounded, steady, and in control.
✔ Improve sleep quality – Support deeper, more restorative sleep for better recovery & wellbeing.
✔ Support cardiovascular & respiratory health – Strengthen your lungs, heart, and overall circulation.
✔ Ease tension, headaches & breathlessness – Reduce physical strain & improve conditions like asthma.
Your breath is your most accessible, natural tool for wellbeing. Learn how to use it effectively and create real, lasting change.
🌀 Reduce Chronic Stress & Anxiety – Activates the parasympathetic nervous system to shift from stress to calm.
💙 Emotional Regulation & Stability – Reduces emotional reactivity, helping you feel grounded.
🧘♀️ Increase Mind-Body Awareness – Strengthen self-regulation and control in moments of tension.
💆♂️ Relaxation & Nervous System Reset – Signals safety to the body, promoting deep relaxation.
💖 Activate the Body’s Self-Healing Ability – Supports natural healing, tissue repair, and immune function.
⚖️ Regain Balance & Control – Build resilience and shift between calm, focus, and energy with ease.
💨 Improve Oxygen Flow & CO₂ Balance – Optimises breathing mechanics for peak energy and endurance.
⚡ Enhanced Focus & Mental Clarity – Improving oxygen flow to the brain, sharpening focus and reducing mental fog.
🫁 Increased Lung Capacity & Physical Vitality – Expanding lung function, improves circulation, and may even support asthma and respiratory health.
🔋 Reduce Fatigue & Improve Recovery – Improving energy and muscle recovery
🔥 Boost Physical & Mental Stamina – use oxygen more efficiently, increasing endurance & boosting energy and muscle recovery.
🌙 Better Sleep & Deep Relaxation – Supports restorative sleep, reduces insomnia, and helps unwind.
🧠 Lower Stress & Overthinking – Calm an overactive mind, making it easier to stay composed and make clear decisions.
💖 Improved Heart Rate Variability (HRV) – A balanced breath pattern supports emotional stability and long-term wellbeing.
🛡️ Stronger Immunity & Wellbeing – Reduce stress hormones and improve oxygenation, supporting immune, digestive & cardiovascular health.
🌀 Emotional Flexibility & Adaptability – Navigate change confidently, reducing emotional overwhelm.
Why Work with Me?
• A leading Trauma-Informed Practitioner– Bringing deep expertise in breathwork that is safe, effective, and tailored for nervous system regulation.
• Certified Survival Apnea Ambassador – Trained in high-performance breath techniques used by elite athletes to build resilience, control, and breath efficiency.
• Holistic & Practical Approach – Bridging breathwork with mindset, movement, and emotional intelligence, so you can apply it in real-life situations.
• Safe & Supportive Learning Space – A nurturing, accessible environment where you can reconnect with your breath—no matter your starting point.
• Science Meets Intuition – Combining evidence-based techniques with ancient wisdom, ensuring a well-rounded and effective approach.
Sonia Houria Essia Rivas is an Integrative Inner Power Coach, Breathwork Instructor, and founder of Women Make Waves. She blends science-backed breathwork with emotional mastery and nature-based wisdom to help people reclaim confidence, calm, and connection. Through her unique approach, Sonia empowers individuals and communities to rise – inside and out – with courage, clarity, and heart.
Read the experience of Women before you
— Bernie, Shamanic Breath & Functional Breath attendee 5 ★
Since starting Sonia’s class at Surf Coast Pilates, my sleep has improved so much. I fall asleep easier and stay asleep! I feel so rested when I wake. It is honestly a game changer. I even sent my husband to her.
— Bernie, Shamanic Breath & Functional Breath attendee 5 ★
I never thought much of my breath before. But since working with Sonia, I’ve realised my body had learnt wrong patterns of breath due to chronic stress and that it needed retraining if I wanted to reduce anxiety and improve my health. It’s funny how we take our body for granted.
