Wellness isn’t complicated and doesn’t require an over-bearing investment. There are simple practices and means to hack the high-performance-flow-state (low stress, high impact) and feel more deeply connected to others and our best self. Successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, and even every-day people, are increasingly turning to a powerful yet profound practice: breathwork or breath training. Backed by science, breathwork has proven essential for improving workplace wellness, enhancing team and individual performance, and reducing stress. Breath training is for everyone, and lifestyle and longevity medicine thought leaders are ramping up their advocacy for the absolute number wellness practice next to sleep, movement, and nutrition. Your breath is your ultimate power.
Biomechanics, Biochemistry, and BioPsychology
At its most fundamental level, breathwork focuses on the mechanics of respiration. Proper breathing involves engaging the diaphragm, promoting efficient oxygen uptake, and reducing unnecessary muscular tension.
Dr. Belisa Vranich, clinical psychologist and author of “Breathe,” emphasizes that proper diaphragmatic breathing. This improves posture, increases oxygenation of the body and brain, and reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels. Efficient breathing mechanics directly impact cognitive function, focus, and endurance, making it invaluable in a high-paced professional environment.
A crucial yet often misunderstood element of breathwork involves biochemical processes. More specifically, the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Patrick McKeown, author of “The Oxygen Advantage,” highlights the importance of nasal breathing and CO₂ tolerance for improved oxygen delivery, energy levels, and mental clarity. There are many myths surrounding CO₂ and it is demonized while it is actually the reason we can actually deliver oxygen throughout the body at all. Contrary to common belief, breathing less (rather than more) can significantly enhance physical and mental performance by improving the body’s ability to utilize oxygen more effectively.
Breathing techniques directly impact the nervous system, notably through the vagus nerve, which regulates the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) response. Studies from leading neuroscientists, including Dr. Andrew Huberman of Stanford University, demonstrate how controlled breathing reduces stress, anxiety, and improves emotional resilience. By consciously managing breathing patterns, individuals can effectively regulate their mental states, shifting from anxiety and overwhelm to calm, focus, connection and high-performance.
Harvard Medical School research shows controlled breathing significantly lowers stress, helping professionals maintain clarity and composure during high-pressure situations.
Breathwork practices improve emotional regulation, crucial for effective leadership, team management, and resolving workplace conflicts, as highlighted by psychologist Dr. Daniel Goleman.
Regular breathwork increases energy and cognitive function, improving mental sharpness and creativity throughout the workday.
Major companies like Google and Goldman Sachs as well as professional sports teams and global leaders incorporate breathwork into their wellness strategies, improving employee satisfaction and performance. Investing in breathwork education can significantly enhance your organization’s culture, productivity, and overall health. The science behind breathwork is well-established and holds high efficacy. Thus making it one of the most critical pieces to future advancements in technology, human connection, and global wellbeing.
Start harnessing the power of breathwork today to enhance your workplace wellness, professional success, and our collective wellbeing. Request the free guide and a consultation from Origins Unity today!