When you’re feeling anxious or stressed at work, you may just keep powering through. There’s always something to do and a task to complete. But sooner or later, this way of working is going to catch up with you, affecting both your performance and your health.
But throughout all the busyness and stress, there’s something you can always rely on your body to do, and that’s breathe. Breathing is what keeps us going, but it’s a unique automatic body function because it’s the only one we can really control. Taking a break and focusing on your breathing could be just what you need to do to regain your calm and feel in control once again.
Discover the benefits of breathing and breaks, and see how you can build them into your workday.
The practice of breathwork is nothing new. In fact, in yoga, there is a specific practice known as Pranayama that focuses entirely on breathwork. This breathwork adds a calming element to a yoga class, making you more aware of your breathing while also helping you to relax and control it better.
You don’t have to be a yoga expert to dedicate some time to your breathing. Studies have shown that breathwork can have a positive impact on stress, helping the body to relax when practiced regularly. Taking just a minute or two out of your day could help you let go of negative thoughts and energy, reduce your stress levels, and even improve your self-esteem. Adding this practice to your workday could be just what you need to improve your health and wellbeing at work.
There are a lot of benefits that come with breathing exercises, including:
Breathwork can also help your body and mind react differently to stress going forward, boosting your body’s automatic responses. If you’re struggling with work in any way, breathwork could be one way of helping you manage it.
Taking a regular break from work is important. It’s good to step away from what you’re doing and to take a little time for yourself. As little as 1 to 3 minutes a day can calm you down and give you a chance to focus on yourself, easing that built-up tension. And the good news is you can practice breathwork wherever you are, making it a great little desk exercise to get your mind and body back on track.
For breathwork to be effective, you need to stop what you’re doing and fully commit to it. Allow yourself a short break during the day, so that you can take some dedicated time to breathe.
One of the most common techniques is to simply practice slow and controlled breathing. Focus on what you’re doing and breathe in through your mouth for a four-count, banishing other thoughts from your consciousness. Exhale through your mouth for a four-count, working to completely empty your lungs.
Repeat this as much as you need to help you find your balance and calm.
There are other breathing techniques you can try to help you enjoy the other benefits of breathwork. Switching your nostrils is a common yoga practice that can leave you feeling more energized, and is another easy technique you can do wherever you are. (Describe?)
Developing a routine will help you find that moment of calm when you need it, setting you up for the rest of the day.
If you need a little help focusing on your breathing, then there are things you can do. First, set yourself a reminder to do your breathwork; it will help build it into your routine.
Second, the breathing.ai extension can help you through guided exercises, while also helping to monitor your health so that you know when your stress levels are elevated and it’s time to take a break. Breathing.ai helps you use your screen time for something beneficial, leaving you feeling great as a result.
Explore the benefits of breathing with breathing.ai and see the difference it can make to your health and wellbeing.
