Transforming Workplace Culture: The Power of Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep Breathing in the Workplace

Myosin Marketing starts its staff meetings with a unique ritual. Before discussing the agenda, CEO Sean Clayton leads his team in deep-breathing exercises. This practice helps remote employees feel safe and open to creativity. Initially, some employees found it strange. Over time, they began to appreciate the calming effects.

Deep breathing can reduce workplace stress. Many people, however, forget to breathe deeply when busy. Desk workers often take shallow breaths, and those in retail or healthcare may not focus on their breathing at all. Remembering to pause and take deep breaths is important.

Calming Benefits

Research shows that chronic stress can harm health, similar to secondhand smoke. Deep-breathing exercises can lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety. The best part? Deep breathing is free, can be done anywhere, and takes just a minute or two to have an impact.

Lisa Marie Deleveaux, a marketing professional, values deep breathing. She fits her exercises into her busy life after being laid off. She practices alternate nostril breathing each morning to clear her mind. Cardiologist Glenn Levine compares breathing exercises to turning off a frozen computer to reset focus.

Breathing Anytime, Anywhere

Lindsay Carlisle, a sales representative, practices breathing exercises with her daughter during their drive to school. They inhale for seven counts, hold for five, and exhale for seven. This practice helps calm her before work.

Suze Yalof Schwartz learned a three-minute meditation technique that transformed her life. She now runs Unplug Meditation, where she teaches breathing techniques to others. One of her favorites is box breathing: inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. This method helps prepare workers for stressful situations.

Employers like Coca-Cola and Netflix have hired Unplug Meditation to train staff in breathing techniques. While it may be difficult to find time for these exercises in retail jobs, Yalof Schwartz suggests practicing while completing tasks like ringing up sales or folding clothes. Office workers can use phone timers for reminders or sticky notes on monitors that say “Breathe.”

Breathing exercises are simple yet effective tools for managing anxiety in the workplace. They provide a way to ground oneself and create calm amidst daily challenges.