The Benefits of Breathing Well in the Workplace

In today's corporate world, companies are realising the importance of employee well-being and are incorporating ancient practices such as yoga, meditation, and of course, breathwork to improve the retention of their staff.

Thanks to the likes of Wim Hoff, breathwork is being discovered (or rediscovered) by Western society as vitally important as to support mental wellbeing, physical health and this extends, of course, into the workplace where we spend a huge part of our lives. It seems obvious as without the breath we wouldn’t be here!

I’m almost certain that at some point throughout out the day or week you will find yourselves saying "Slow down, take a breath", without fully appreciating how much there is to that. I've been practising various breathing techniques for over 20 years and reading up on the science behind breathwork, and it's pretty mindblowing to say the least! It turns out that using your breath to release stress and improve well-being is backed by a lot of ongoing research. The more I learn, the more I realise just how many benefits there are to breathing well, especially in the workplace.

Now, you might be wondering, what can be so special about breathing, it’s just something we all do without thinking. And yes it is, but like everything else in today’s society, we have ended up over consuming our very own breath and as a result of not breathing correctly we have generated a whole host of health problems through lack of breath awareness, but the good news is this can be easily rectified with some very simple breathing techniques.

And so how does it differ from meditation? Well, from what I've understood and learned from over the years, breathwork and meditation are closely connected. While meditation aims to quiet the mind by focusing attention, breathwork involves a series of breathing techniques that can differ from our natural breathing patterns.

I’m sure you would have all noticed at some point how your breathing changes either when you're overwhelmed, tired, nervous or so on ? This is completely normal but not always helpful when aiming to keep our body and mind in a harmonious state and wanting to avoid going into “fight and flight’ without good reason to. Learning the art of breathing can hep us tap into the potential of enhanced well-being by keeping our nervous system regulated.

There are a number of well known breathing techniques that are practiced and recognised today and each are beneficial in their own unique way.

Pranayama, if you're just starting out with breathwork, Pranayama is where it's at. It's a technique commonly used in yoga, and it's a fantastic way to dip your toes into the world of breathwork. The word itself, 'Pranayama,' comes from Sanskrit and translates to 'to draw out.' In this practice, you breathe in, hold your breath, and then breathe out in a repeating cycle. It's amazing how Pranayama can help you center your mind, quiet those racing thoughts, slow down a fast heartbeat, and create much-needed mental space, especially when you're feeling anxious.

One of the best things about Pranayama is its versatility. You can easily incorporate it into your day, whether you're at your desk or in between meetings. It's a discreet practice, so you can reap its benefits without drawing too much attention. It's like a little pocket of calm and clarity in the midst of a busy day.

" Wim Hof " technique. This method, named after the renowned Dutch athlete Wim Hof, involves controlled hyperventilation, which means taking short, sharp breaths and holding your breath in rapid succession. When done safely and under proper guidance, this technique can effectively calm the nervous system, boost energy levels, and even enhance lung capacity for more efficient breathing. According to Wim Hof himself, this technique, when combined with his cold water training, offers a range of benefits such as improved sleep, heightened focus, reduced stress and inflammation, and increased levels of dopamine, creativity, and willpower.

BioDynamic breathwork. This approach brings about a profound sense of tranquility, enhances one's capacity to process challenging emotions, and strengthens emotional resilience. By focusing on the inhalation of air that expands throughout the entire body, it brings a feeling of harmony and spaciousness within both the mind and body.

Holotropic breathwork is quite an intriguing practice. It involves breathing at a faster pace than usual for an extended period, with some seasoned practitioners even continuing this rhythmic breathing for hours. This unique breathing pattern can actually facilitate an altered state of consciousness by shifting the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. Often accompanied by music, it's particularly effective in group settings led by a skilled coach.

The benefits of holotropic breathwork are truly remarkable. Apart from reducing anxiety and boosting confidence, it's also been found to be effective in releasing difficult emotions, especially when utilised as a form of trauma therapy. The holistic approach and the potential for deep emotional release make holotropic breathwork a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.

Including employee breathwork in your wellbeing workplace 

Let's dive into how breathwork can really elevate your employee wellbeing strategy. The benefits of breathwork are so wide-ranging and impactful. It's not just about calming down in stressful moments; it's also about boosting energy and adopting a clearer, more focused state of mind. By incorporating breathwork into your workplace wellness strategy, you're helping your team relax their nervous systems, which in turn prevents that fight, flight, freeze response. This gives them a greater sense of control over their emotions, especially during challenging times.

Given the increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression following the pandemic, integrating breathing practices into your workplace can be a useful tool in a wellbeing ‘tool-kit’ to avoid burnout, reduce sick leave and create a sustainable business with healthy, happy people at its heart.

Moreover, offering breathwork and similar practices as part of your workplace benefits sends a powerful message to your employees. It shows that the company genuinely cares about their well-being and is committed to helping them manage stress. It's not just about the benefits; it's also about creating a sense of community around positive mental health practices.

It's no secret that empathetic policies like these are what attract and retain top talent in every industry. So, by prioritizing employee well-being through initiatives like breathwork, you're not just supporting your team – you're also positioning your company as a leader in creating a positive, supportive work environment.

If you are interested in bringing breathwork into your work place please contact me HERE