The Science Behind Breathwork: How It Reduces Anxiety and Boosts Productivity
Why Breathwork?
If you’re in your midlife and interested in wellbeing and stress management, you’ve almost certainly heard about breathwork. But you may not have fully got to grips with the concept of breathwork and the science behind it.
In its simplest form, breathwork is a powerful tool for managing stress and improving productivity, especially for midlifers experiencing anxiety and overwhelm.
Controlled breathing practices like SOMA Breath are becoming increasingly popular and recognised for their success in both personal wellness and workplace efficiency.
The Science of Breathwork and Its Effects on the Body
So how does it work? As the shampoo ad once said, “here comes the science bit.” (showing my age here!)
The Nervous System: Breathwork balances the autonomic nervous system (ANS), shifting from the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response, to the parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” state. This reduces cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and emotional balance.
Brainwave Alterations: Research from Cambridge University indicates that SOMA Breath® techniques lead to significant brainwave changes, reducing negative emotions like tension and confusion while enhancing happiness and calmness.
Improved Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Techniques like 4-7-8 breathing have been shown to improve HRV, a marker of reduced stress and anxiety.
Research produced by Hopper et al., 2019, has shown that breathing exercises can reduce anxiety by up to 44%. That’s a huge reduction that could make a ground-breaking difference to your lifestyle and your stress levels.
Breathwork and Productivity: The Workplace Impact
We can see how Breathwork can positively reduce the physical manifestations of stress and anxiety. But it doesn’t stop there.
The use of SOMA breath in the workplace improves oxygen delivery to the brain, which sharpens mental clarity, decision-making, and focus. SOMA Breath's use in workplace wellness programs has shown enhanced performance and energy levels.
Regular breathwork practice helps in managing workplace stress, reducing absenteeism, and potentially cutting healthcare costs. Companies implementing breathwork programs report up to a 15% increase in employee focus and productivity.
Productivity up. Sickness and absenteeism down. That’s a pretty compelling case for investment in workplace breathwork programmes.
A Client Story: Faye’s Transformation
To give you an example of the power of breathwork, I’d like to tell you a bit about Faye.
Faye is a midlife woman who was feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of life. She reached out to me recently, and we began working together on breathwork and coaching.
Through breathwork, Faye was able to calm her nervous system, reduce anxiety, and gain clarity. Over time, she transitioned from feeling stuck and anxious to confident and capable. She is now navigating life with a greater sense of calm.
Why Midlifers Should Embrace Breathwork
You are probably juggling multiple roles in your career, as a caregiver, as a spouse, and as a friend. The overwhelm can be crushing – but it doesn’t have to be.
By engaging in regular breathwork practice you can experience the dual benefits of breathwork to support your mental health and also for workplace efficiency and productivity.
Incorporating breathwork into your daily routines is a scientifically-backed way to regain control of your emotional well-being and performance. If you want to start your journey to a calmer and more resilient version of yourself, message me today.