Learning breathing techniques: how decision-makers increase their performance

Learning breathing techniques: a key to improving the performance of decision-makers

If you want to learn breathing techniques, you can noticeably improve your performance. Especially in demanding positions where there is a lot of responsibility and pressure to make decisions, conscious breathing helps to improve concentration and cope better with stress. Breathing techniques help to strengthen the respiratory muscles, expand lung capacity and thus organise the body's oxygen supply more efficiently.

How learning breathing techniques makes the day-to-day work of decision-makers easier

Decision-makers are often under time and mental pressure. Through targeted breathing training, they can learn to control and slow down their breathing. This leads to better oxygen uptake, which supplies the brain more effectively. As a result, concentration and stamina increase noticeably.

A conscious breathing rhythm also helps to defuse moments of stress. Some breathing techniques make it possible to reduce accumulated tension and calm down better - allowing important decisions to be made more clearly and thoughtfully. Learning breathing techniques therefore means not only physical but also mental support.

Practical examples from the business world

BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract) A management team introduced breathing exercises into their daily meetings. This enabled them to calm down more quickly in stressful negotiation situations and increase their ability to concentrate, which led to more effective meetings.

BEST PRACTICE at a medium-sized company (name changed due to NDA contract) Breathing techniques were integrated into the daily work routine as part of a health programme. Employees reported more energy and less fatigue, even during long working days with high decision-making pressure.

BEST PRACTICE at a startup (name changed due to NDA contract) The founders used breathing technique workshops to reduce stress before important presentations and pitches. This helped them to appear more focussed and get their message across better.

Which breathing techniques are particularly suitable for learning?

Learning breathing techniques includes various methods that anyone can easily integrate into everyday life. Abdominal breathing, the 4-7-11 method and breath holding with nasal obstruction have proven particularly effective in improving oxygen uptake and CO2 tolerance.

During abdominal breathing, the diaphragm is actively used, which allows more air to enter the alveoli. This allows the body to absorb oxygen more efficiently. The 4-7-11 method ensures relaxation through slow inhalation and exhalation, which helps in stressful situations. Consciously holding your breath promotes breathing regulation and increases performance under stress.

Application examples in practice

BEST PRACTICE in a consulting company (name changed due to NDA contract) The team performs short abdominal breathing exercises several times a day. The exercises help to reduce stress during long project phases and keep attention levels high.

BEST PRACTICE at a technology company (name changed due to NDA contract) Employees regularly use the 4-7-11 breathing technique during phases of concentrated work to organise their thoughts and recharge their batteries.

BEST PRACTICE in a marketing agency (name changed due to NDA contract) The breath-holding technique is used before decision-making meetings to promote clarity and mental calm.

Tips for sustainable breathing training

If you want to learn breathing techniques, you should practise them regularly and patiently. A few minutes a day is often enough to achieve noticeable effects. Integrate breathing exercises into your daily routine, for example in the morning after getting up or during breaks. This not only supports your physical performance, but also your mental resilience in everyday working life.

Consciously alternating between different breathing techniques also brings benefits. In this way, relaxation can be specifically promoted and breathing capacity can be gradually improved. Such exercises can easily be carried out in the office, at home or on the move.

Practical recommendations

BEST PRACTICE at a service company (name changed due to NDA contract) The company encourages its managers to do a short breathing exercise every day before starting work in order to stay focussed and more resistant to stress.

BEST PRACTICE at an educational institution (name changed due to NDA contract) Breathing training has been integrated as part of management training programmes. Participants report increased mental clarity and less exhaustion during intensive phases.

BEST PRACTICE in a financial consultancy (name changed due to NDA contract) Breathing exercises at the workplace promote regeneration between meetings and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

My analysis

Learning targeted breathing techniques offers decision-makers a valuable opportunity to sustainably optimise their performance. By strengthening the respiratory muscles and improving the oxygen supply, both physical and mental resources are better utilised. Breathing techniques have practical benefits, particularly in demanding business environments, and make it easier to deal with stress and high levels of concentration. Regular practice promotes a deeper connection to your own physical processes and supports efficient decision-making processes.

Further links from the text above:

[1] Breathing trainer: how to train your breathing & improve your performance

[3] How you can improve your performance with breathing techniques

[5] Breathe properly: five breathing exercises to combat stress

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