Hey, it’s Christine.

In today’s issue:

• Why breathing better supports your skin

• A calming ritual to refresh your skin and senses

• A surprising statistic about lung capacity loss

• What Eckhart Tolle says about letting go

• Exclusive 20% OFF code from our sponsor Obvita Organics

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PILLAR SPOTLIGHT

Breathe Better, Glow Brighter!

Let’s face it: we all breathe. But how we breathe? That’s a whole different story.

Most of the time I go through my day barely paying attention to my breath — until I’m out of it. Running up stairs. Rushing through traffic. Feeling anxious and wishing the world would pause for a moment. (Who doesn’t feel that way sometimes?)

But here’s the secret: Your breath isn’t just automatic — it’s transformational!

Done right, breathing can calm your nervous system, sharpen your focus, boost energy, and yes — even support your natural glow from within.

Why Breathing Deserves Your Attention

Your skin thrives when your cells do — and oxygen is the VIP every cell is waiting for. Oxygen powers your body’s energy production. It also helps your blood circulate, detoxify, and deliver nutrients to the surface — and skin that’s well-fed from the inside? It just looks better.

Here’s what happens when breathing gets overlooked:

• Shallow breathing (from your chest, not your belly) keeps oxygen low and stress high.

• Indoor air, stale pillows, and city smog lower air quality.

• Carbon monoxide (from pollution, smoke, or even candles) blocks oxygen from reaching your skin.

• Even posture matters. When we slouch over phones or laptops, we compress our lungs. Less space = less breath = less glow.

But here’s the good news: You can retrain your breath. And it’s easier than you think.

Breathing Rituals to Feel Calm, Clear & Centered

Below are science-backed breathing techniques from leading experts that are simple to try — whether you’re between meetings, feeling overwhelmed, or winding down for sleep.

The Physiological Sigh

The fastest way to calm down — backed by neuroscience.

• Take a long deep full breath in through your nose

• Add a quick second inhale through your nose

• Slowly sigh it out through your mouth

When to use: Anytime you feel anxious, irritated, or can’t stop overthinking.

Box Breathing

A steady breath for steady focus.

• Inhale 4 seconds through your nose

• Hold 4 seconds

• Exhale 4 seconds through your nose

• Hold 4 seconds

• Repeat 4 times

When to use: Before a stressful meeting, while journaling, or at bedtime.

Cyclic Sighing

Daily breathwork for lowering stress long-term.

• Inhale slowly through your nose

• Exhale even more slowly through your nose

• Focus on elongating your exhales

When to use: Make it a 5-minute morning ritual. Your mind and skin will thank you.

Deliberate Hyperventilation + Hold

For energy and alertness (use with care).

• Inhale through your nose and exhale quickly 25–30 times

• On the last exhale, hold your breath

• Resume breathing when needed

When to use: Morning cold plunges, pre-workout, or when you’re feeling sluggish.

Diaphragmatic (Belly) Breathing

The most natural breath — and best for all-day clarity.

• Inhale through your nose so your belly expands (not your chest)

• Exhale fully through your nose

• Sit or lie down with one hand on your belly to feel the difference

When to use: Always! Especially if you catch yourself shallow breathing.

Here’s a cheat sheet. Remember to breathe like your skin depends on it. Because in a very real way, it does.

Sources available upon request.

GLOW TIP

Upgrade your air — especially where you sleep.

Your skin repairs overnight, so give it the cleanest breath possible:

• Open your window for a little while before bed, or for the whole night if the air is cool

• Replace pillows every 12–18 months (they can harbor mold and dust)

• Skip artificial candles and plug-ins — opt for real beeswax or an open window instead

• Use an air purifier in the bedroom

• Have a breathing ritual. Even three rounds of one of the breathing techniques above will help you wind down and be ready for sleep.

Fresh air supports your natural glow while you sleep.

SURPRISING STAT

QUOTE OF THE DAY

The information in Glow by Calla Skin is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Christine is a licensed spa professional in Florida and New York State, not a doctor. Always consult a healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.