London can be a hectic place at the best of times. It’s a busy city, full of people, full of activities and events, and sometimes it can get overwhelming. Sometimes we need to take some time for ourselves, and find a little time to breathe. And that’s exactly what ‘Room To Breathe’, an immersive anxiety-reducing, breathing experience, hopes to provide for visitors. It’s the world’s first free to attend experience of its type.
‘Room To Breathe’ is a full-on light and sound sensory experience that surrounds visitors, taking over the room’s walls, ceiling, and floor. Original music from Matthew Wilcock guides you to breathe in, hold, and breathe out, using a four second breathing technique. Meanwhile, visual cues of rolling clouds, calm skies, and the sun accompany the music in tandem with the rhythm of the breathing.
So, what’s the point?
You mean besides being really, really, really, ridiculously good looking beautiful? Based on the science of ‘box breathing’ the experience gives visitors the time and space to consider their breathing and breathe with intention. It’s a chance for a moment of calm in the day of London’s office workers, excited tourists, and overwhelmed families alike. Oh, and by the way, this isn’t some trippy idea dreamed up by someone who half-heartedly hopes it might be helpful. In fact, it was developed in conjunction with a leading UK trauma and anxiety consultant, Jayne Cox.
Said Jayne Cox, of ‘Room To Breathe’:
“Anxiety and stress often changes the way we breathe, with our breath often becoming rapid and shallow, resulting in heightened anxiety and becoming ‘stuck’ in a state of fight or flight. Learning and regularly implementing a simple breathing technique reduces anxiety by helping us to have more control over our breath. Once learnt, these techniques become a ‘tool’ that support us anywhere, whether we are on the move or at home.”
‘Room To Breathe’ doesn’t just help you find a moment of calm in an ever-busy city. It gives you the tools to do so wherever you are. Plus, it’s just, you know, really pretty.
There’s no need to reserve a spot, grab a free ticket, or anything else. All you need to do is turn up; the experience is free and open to all ages. Sessions take place at 11am-12pm, 2-3pm and 7-8pm daily, in Outernet London’s NOW Trending building. Just head out of exit 4 at Tottenham Court Road station, and you’ll find it right opposite.