3 min readNew DelhiDec 24, 2025 08:59 AM IST
First published on: Dec 16, 2025 at 10:30 AM IST
Fashion designer Masaba Gupta, 36, recently opened up about her mornings, admitting they do not begin without her following a particular routine. When former Tennis player Sania Mirza asked her about the one thing she can’t start her day without on her YouTube podcast, her immediate response was, “I do this 12-minute breathwork. I have to do it. Otherwise, I don’t feel awake. Every morning.”
During the conversation, she also mentioned that while her pregnancy was smooth, it is only lately — for the past two months — that she has been feeling postpartum depression, almost a year after giving birth to her daughter, Matara.
Taking a cue from Masaba, we asked consultant dietitian and fitness expert Garima Goyal about the effectiveness of such a routine.
Masaba Gupta’s habit of beginning her morning with a 12-minute breathwork session reflects a more profound shift in how we understand wellness today, said Goyal. “Breathwork is one of the simplest ways to regulate the nervous system and ease the body out of a stressed, reactive state. Starting the day with slow and intentional breathing supports better oxygen flow, lowers morning cortisol, and creates a sense of calm that carries into the rest of the day,” said Goyal.
Breathwork does help (Photo: Freepik)
From a health perspective, Goyal said that this short routine can improve focus, mental clarity and emotional steadiness. “It prepares the body for digestion, movement, and decision-making by activating the calming side of the nervous system. For someone with a high-pressure, creative lifestyle like Masaba’s, these first few grounded minutes can prevent burnout and allow the day to unfold with more balance and control,” said Goyal.
Breathwork does not require equipment or intense effort, stressed Goyal, “It relies on awareness and gentle consistency.”
“When practised daily, even for a few minutes, it improves energy, sleep quality, and resilience to stress. Masaba’s morning ritual is a reminder that wellness does not always come from doing more. Sometimes it begins with simply sitting still, breathing deeply, and giving the mind and body space to settle before the noise of the day begins,” Goyal said.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Masaba Gupta shares how she likes to begin her mornings (Photo: Masaba Gupta/Instagram) 
Breathwork does help (Photo: Freepik)
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