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Recovery

Recovery Protocol Protocol

Rebuild capacity after stress or training.

Duration

10 min

Level

01

Evidence

★★★★★

Why this protocol

Deep belly breathing with extended exhales strongly engages the vagus nerve, lowering cortisol, restoring HRV and shortening the physiological cost of stress or exertion.

Perfect moments

After exerciseRecovery dayBefore sleepFeeling overwhelmed

What you'll experience

❤️

Warm, relaxed body

🫁

Slower pulse

🧠

Deeper breath

🌿

Restored energy

Coach's insight

Recovery is a skill, not a break. The people who last longest are the ones who practise it the earliest.

Common mistakes

1

Skipping recovery when 'busy'.

2

Chest breathing instead of belly breathing.

3

Ending as soon as you feel a little better.

Breathing pattern

Inhale
4s
Exhale
8s

Session length

Deep belly breathing with extended exhales strongly engages the vagus nerve, lowering cortisol, restoring HRV and shortening the physiological cost of stress or exertion.

Evidence

★★★★★Strong Evidence

Slow diaphragmatic breathing reliably lowers cortisol, blood pressure and perceived stress across dozens of controlled studies.

Onset

3–5 minutes

Lasts

1–3 hours

Related protocols

After this session

You'll gently reflect on:

Stress
Energy
Mental clarity
Journal