In today’s fast-paced work environment, stress is a common challenge for many employees. However, a simple and effective technique to combat stress and anxiety is gaining traction—deep breathing exercises. At Myosin Marketing in Austin, Texas, CEO Sean Clayton introduced a deep-breathing ritual at the beginning of staff meetings. Despite initial skepticism, employees soon reported feeling more relaxed and grounded, enhancing their ability to engage creatively and take risks.
The Benefits of Deep Breathing
Deep breathing, a practice that can be done anywhere, doesn’t require much time and can help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and boost overall well-being. Studies show that chronic stress, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, can be as harmful as secondhand smoke. Yet, many workers fail to consciously focus on their breathing, particularly desk workers or those with physically demanding jobs. Research suggests that just a minute or two of deep breathing can significantly calm the mind, clear racing thoughts, and improve focus.
Deep Breathing in Daily Life
For marketing professional Lisa Marie Deleveaux, deep-breathing exercises like alternate nostril breathing have become a daily routine to help manage stress, especially during tough times like job searching. Similarly, sales representative Lindsay Carlisle uses breathing exercises during her commute with her daughter, which helps her relax before tackling the challenges of her workday. Experts like cardiologist Glenn Levine recommend incorporating deep breathing into daily life, even in short bursts, to reset and refresh the mind.
Corporate Adoption of Wellness Practices
In addition to personal practice, companies like Coca-Cola, Mattel, and Netflix have embraced wellness techniques, including deep breathing and meditation, to reduce employee stress. With remote work becoming more common, breathing exercises can be an easy and impactful way to promote mental well-being in any work environment.
While it may seem like a simple practice, deep breathing serves as an accessible tool to help employees stay focused, calm, and resilient amid workplace challenges.
For more insights into the benefits of mindfulness and breathing techniques in the workplace, check out Harvard Health’s guide to deep breathing and American Heart Association’s tips on stress management.
