In 2024, Just Breathe

Perhaps I'm just a bit shell-shocked from sitting in school traffic again but I could swear the pace is faster than it was this time last year. And I'm almost certain I can already feel the shared relentless pursuit of productivity. Even in Cape Town!

Of one thing I am sure (for myself at least), to better manage demands this year, I will need to remember to breathe. This is a non-negotiable.

And this may sound silly coming from me, as the leader of wellbeing consultancy called BREATHE but the truth is, last year I found myself entangled in a buzz of busyness, meetings, and projects, leaving little room for my own introspection and virtually no space for slowing down. And I'm convinced this was part of the reason I got sick as soon as I went on holiday. Quite frankly, this made me feel like a bit of a fake, given that I teach leaders and teams the power of the pause.

In 2024, I am re-committing to the simple yet profound practice that I know can be a game-changer (because it has been for me before)– the art of stopping to breathe.

This might sound easy.... but it's not. In a world that is speeding up, in a world where society tells us that pushing harder is the only way to survive, taking time during the day to unhook from the hustle, while the world of business carries on, is not easy.

I also know that taking a moment to consciously pause and focus on our breath might seem inconsequential (I mean we all breathe automatically anyway, don't we?) but the truth is, we don't breathe properly. We're mostly always in autopilot, in a mode of fast, shallow breathing that keeps our bodies in fight-flight mode and prevents us from showing up as the best version of ourselves, at work or at home.

But when we take a moment to focus on our breath, and intentionally slow it down and breathe deeply, we can completely interrupt the stress cycle. With just 60 seconds of deep breathing, we regulate our nervous system and eliminate cortisol of from the bloodstream. Imagine the impact of this practice over time on our well-being and performance!

It's a practice that transcends boundaries, and has the potential to touch almost every aspect of our professional and personal lives.

These are some of the transformative gifts waiting for those of us who have the courage to consciously unhook from the hustle, and take a moment to just breathe:

1. Clarity in Chaos: In the midst of a hectic workday, a brief pause to breathe allows us to recalibrate. It provides a moment of clarity, to see the bigger picture and make more informed decisions. In a world of noise and distraction, the ability to step back and assess situations with a clear mind is a powerful skill.
2. Stress Reduction: Chronic stress is a productivity killer. Taking a few deep breaths triggers the relaxation response, reducing stress hormones and promoting a sense of calm. This not only enhances overall well-being but also improves resilience so we can face challenges head-on.
3. Enhanced Focus and Productivity: A few deep breaths can serve as a reset button for our brains. By momentarily disengaging from the constant stream of emails, to-dos and deadlines, the mind is able to rejuvenate. This, in turn, leads to increased focus and productivity.
4. Improved Interpersonal Skills: Conscious breathing fosters emotional intelligence. By lowering our reactivity response, we get less triggered and learn to cultivate wonderful and necessary life and leadership skills like patience, empathy and better communication. Which team wouldn't want a more empathetic manager?
5. Self awareness: Sometimes it's so hard to come 'back' to ourselves when we're busy or stressed. Just one deep breath can bring us home and help us connect with our inner world and become more aware of the thoughts and feelings that are driving our behaviour.

I don't believe the pursuit of success should come at the cost of our well-being.

This year, I'll be intentionally and whole-heartedly stopping to just breathe, and I won't be seeing it as a luxury; but rather as a strategic investment in my personal and professional growth.

Who's with me?

#JustBreathe #Highperformance #Wellbeing #Leadership #productivity #Stressreduction #MindfulLeadership #SuccessThroughBreath #Abetterwaytowork