Yogic Breathing: A New Perspective on Employee Wellness
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and burnout are becoming epidemic, particularly in high-stakes professions. But what if the solution to improving our well-being was as close as our own breath? This is the core principle behind yogic breathing, a practice that offers tangible benefits for both the mind and body.
Our recent pilot study with anesthesia professionals at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) explored the impact of a self-guided yogic breathing intervention on their stress levels. Our aim was to understand how this practice could improve well-being, using both subjective self-reports and objective measures like hair cortisol. While the study highlighted significant limitations in the delivery method—such as low adherence and retention—these findings are not a setback but a critical learning opportunity.
The challenges we encountered provide a clear roadmap for designing more effective, supported programs in the future. The data suggests that a self-guided approach may not be sufficient for a population with demanding schedules. This underscores the need for:
- Structured, Guided Sessions: Our findings indicate that live, professionally guided sessions may improve participant engagement and consistency.
- Integrating Practice into Workflows: Providing protected time for these wellness activities during work hours could dramatically boost participation and make a meaningful impact.
- Tailored Interventions: The study’s results suggest that the intervention must be simple, practical, and designed to fit the reality of a busy professional’s life.
Ultimately, our research confirms that with the right approach, intentional breathing can be a powerful tool for employee wellness. Our findings, while highlighting limitations, provide the critical insight needed to build future programs that are both effective and feasible in the modern workplace.
You can read the full study here: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1177/27683605251370945
