Deep Breathing: A Simple yet Effective Way to Reduce Stress at Work
A simple, uncommon ritual starts each staff meeting at Myosin Marketing. When everyone is gathered on Zoom, and before they get to the meat of the agenda, CEO Sean Clayton leads his team through a deep-breathing exercise.
Setting the Tone
The practice sets the tone for the meeting, and helps his employees, most of whom work remotely, to feel safe, grounded and willing to take creative risks, he said.
Benefits of Deep Breathing
Deep breathing can be an effective way to reduce stress at work, studies show. But on the job, many people don’t think about how they’re inhaling and exhaling. Chronic, unmanaged stress, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, can be as harmful to our health as secondhand smoke, according to the American Heart Association.
How to Practice Deep Breathing
Other benefits: deep breathing is free, can be done anywhere and doesn’t require taking a half-hour to meditate. Spending just a minute or two breathing deeply can help calm racing thoughts, experts say. A good way to do deep breathing exercises is while sitting on a bench outside, said cardiologist Glenn Levine, a professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Alternatives to Traditional Meditation
If you don’t have time to sit and meditate, you can fit in breathing exercises during other activities. For example, you can do breathing exercises with your child during a drive to school, like sales development representative Lindsay Carlisle does.
Conclusion
Deep breathing is a simple yet effective way to reduce stress at work. By incorporating deep breathing exercises into your daily routine, you can improve your overall well-being and increase your productivity. Remember, it’s not about taking a half-hour to meditate, it’s about taking a minute or two to breathe deeply and calm your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I fit deep breathing exercises into my busy schedule?
A: You can fit deep breathing exercises into your daily routine by doing them during short breaks, such as while waiting in line or during a drive to work. You can also set a timer on your phone to remind yourself to breathe deeply.
Q: What if I’m not comfortable with meditation?
A: You don’t have to be a meditation expert to practice deep breathing exercises. Simply take a few deep breaths and focus on the sensation of the air moving in and out of your body.
Q: Can I do deep breathing exercises at work?
A: Yes, you can do deep breathing exercises at work. You can do them while sitting at your desk, taking a break in the stairwell, or even while walking to a meeting.
Q: How often should I practice deep breathing exercises?
A: You can practice deep breathing exercises as often as you like, but it’s recommended to start with a few times a day and gradually increase the frequency as you become more comfortable with the practice.
Q: Will deep breathing exercises really help reduce stress?
A: Yes, deep breathing exercises have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in numerous studies. By incorporating deep breathing exercises into your daily routine, you can improve your overall well-being and increase your productivity.
