A unique way to reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace has been gaining popularity at Myosin Marketing, a company based in Austin, Texas. CEO Sean Clayton leads his team through a deep-breathing exercise at the start of each staff meeting on Zoom. Initially, employees found this practice strange, but after a few weeks, they began to experience the benefits. Deep breathing has been shown to be effective in reducing stress at work, yet many people do not pay attention to their breathing patterns during their busy workdays.
Studies indicate that chronic, unmanaged stress can have detrimental effects on health, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Deep-breathing exercises have been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety, making them a simple and cost-effective way to promote well-being. Taking just a minute or two to focus on deep breathing can help calm the mind and improve focus.
One individual who has found deep breathing to be beneficial is Lisa Marie Deleveaux, a marketing professional and mother of five. Despite facing challenges, including unemployment, she prioritizes breathing exercises to help relax her mind and stay present in the moment. Setting aside time for deep breathing can help clear the mind and improve concentration on tasks at hand.
Cardiologist Glenn Levine emphasizes the importance of deep breathing exercises, comparing it to rebooting a computer with multiple programs running. By taking a moment to focus on breathing, individuals can reset and refocus their minds. Finding a quiet space, such as a bench outside or a desk at work, can facilitate deep-breathing exercises.
Incorporating deep breathing into daily routines can be beneficial for individuals in high-stress environments, such as sales representative Lindsay Carlisle. She practices breathing exercises with her daughter during their commute to school, finding it to be a calming and grounding experience. Similarly, Suze Yalof Schwartz, founder of Unplug Meditation, advocates for the use of breathing techniques to signal to the brain that everything is okay, even in stressful situations.
Employers like Coca-Cola, Mattel, and Netflix have recognized the value of incorporating deep breathing and meditation into their workplace wellness programs. Finding moments throughout the day to practice breathing exercises, such as during customer interactions in retail settings or before meetings, can help alleviate anxiety and improve focus. Setting reminders on phones or using visual cues, like Post-it notes, can help individuals incorporate deep breathing into their daily routines.
Overall, deep breathing exercises offer a simple yet effective way to reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace. By prioritizing moments of deep breathing throughout the day, individuals can improve their overall well-being and productivity. Remembering to take a few deep breaths can make a significant difference in managing stress in various work environments.
