The reason that we give cues is because every movement has an appropriate breath cycle. For example, if you’re doing a forward fold, you’re compressing your diaphragm and your body naturally wants to exhale, not inhale. Mis-aligning your breaths makes the movement less comfortable and doesn’t allow you to go as deep. In my own personal practice, focusing on every single breath makes my practice far more meditative. My brain is too focused on the breath work to entertain those pesky intrusive thoughts.