Magda Proskauer in1968 (8) reminds us that "our breathing patterns reflect our inner situation". "Complete chest breathing occurs only at times of maximum effort....On the other hand, those that cannot open the chest are often anxious, inhibited, self-conscious, and tend toward feelings of inferiority"
In the workplace there are situations where the team member reacts negatively and most times unconsciously to moments of pressure. This is the point when the breath ,which could be used and should be used as a constructive tool is lost or momentarily paused, stopped, in that problematic moment. I call this 'situational apnea' most people know about sleep apnea when you hold your breath/ stop breathing .
In the workplace there are situations where the team member reacts negatively and most times unconsciously to moments of pressure. This is the point when the breath ,which could be used and should be used as a constructive tool is lost or momentarily paused, stopped, in that problematic moment. I call this 'situational apnea' most people know about sleep apnea when you hold your breath/ stop breathing .
Anatomy of a sleep apnea episode
As airflow stops during a sleep apnea episode, the oxygen level in your blood drops. Your brain responds by briefly disturbing your sleep enough to kick start breathing—which often resumes with a gasp or a choking sound. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you probably won’t remember these awakenings. Most of the time, you’ll stir just enough to tighten your throat muscles and open your windpipe. In central sleep apnea, you may be conscious of your awakenings.
As airflow stops during a sleep apnea episode, the oxygen level in your blood drops. Your brain responds by briefly disturbing your sleep enough to kick start breathing—which often resumes with a gasp or a choking sound. If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you probably won’t remember these awakenings. Most of the time, you’ll stir just enough to tighten your throat muscles and open your windpipe. In central sleep apnea, you may be conscious of your awakenings.
So when does situational apnea affect you, is it when you open an email which unexpectedly turns out to be negative and aggressive, your breath stops.
The difficult phone call you have to make, your breath stops.
Dealing with a problem staff issue you may hold or make a big sigh. All these and more situational apneas can happen throughout your day and without you being conscious of them.
The negative effect of bad breathing habits are insidiously learnt and over time creates poor decision making due to the depletion in the bodies chemistry lowering the ph balance causing Hypocapnia.
Team members being Irritable, bad moods and depression can be signs of poor breathing habits due to situational apnea.
Conscious Breathworks® uses technology, bio -feedback to help re-educate better breathing habits for individuals improved performance at work. Because this is measurable and visual the team member can see how they're progressing.www.sbzd.co.uk
