Hunter businesswoman, Melinda Smith, is on a mission to teach people how to focus their breathing to improve health and wellbeing, resilience and work performance.
The former journalist and television news presenter turned leadership coach and communication specialist has launched Breathworkx. Melinda is delivering workplace workshops, seminars and coaching programs to help people understand breathwork and the profound influence it can have on people’s mental, physical, emotional and spiritual states.
“Breathwork is the practice of consciously controlling and directing your breath to regulate your nervous systems,” Melinda said.
“It is a simple and powerful tool, right under our noses, that can manage and prevent the common and increasing issues of stress and burn out,” she said.
“When done correctly, it helps you to relax, sharpen your focus and concentration, be more present, and improve your energy levels. You can easily achieve these benefits by incorporating a few minutes of breathwork exercises into your workday.”
“The other good news is that organisations can incorporate breathwork into workplace wellbeing programs and WHS plans with minimal time and cost. Breathwork exercises can be done driving to or from work, sitting at your desk, or when taking a break.”
“Organisations can significantly help to strengthen their people’s resilience by developing their conscious breathing skills and techniques.”
“Managing the impacts of psychosocial hazards in the workplace is required under Australian WHS laws, with employers now responsible for addressing these hazards in WHS plans.”
Melinda said anxiety, stress and burnout are costly for individuals and workplaces.
“The constant pressure to perform, often with fewer resources, to meet deadlines, and navigate complex change and challenges, is taking a gradual toll.”
“Research by Harvard Business Review shows burnout can decrease productivity, increase turnover, reduce job satisfaction, and increase workers’ physical and mental health problems. A 2022 Mental Health First Aid Australia study shows Australian workers report the highest burnout rates in the world. An alarming 61 per cent of Australian workers had experienced burnout, up 5 per cent on the previous year. The global average was 48 per cent.”
“October is Mental Health Month. These annual initiatives are important for raising awareness about major health issues. What a great time for people and businesses to be aware and start implementing simple ways to prevent and manage these issues.”
Melinda discovered breathwork through practicing yoga. She saw the potential and began researching the science behind it and evidence of its benefits. After 18 months of training, she is now a professional member of the Australian Breathwork Association.
She already incorporates breathwork into the media and presentation skills workshops in her communication training business Peak Presenting.
“Breathwork is one of the popular, practical tools we provide people to overcome nerves and be more confident and in control during a media interview or when delivering a presentation. Being present, not rushing, and more able to think on your feet, makes you more effective.”
Melinda is urging people to give breathwork a try.
“Breathwork could be the key to unlocking your performance potential – one inhale and exhale at a time.”
IMAGE | Melinda Smith
