Event planning is thrilling, but it’s no secret that it can also be incredibly stressful. With tight deadlines, high expectations, and the unpredictable nature of live events, staying calm under pressure is essential. This is where breathwork can become a game-changing tool for event professionals.
By managing the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and activating the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), breathwork helps to shift the body from a state of stress to a state of relaxation. This allows you to respond thoughtfully to challenges rather than reacting impulsively. Let’s explore how breathwork can help you thrive under pressure and some simple exercises you can incorporate into your day.
Why Breathwork is a Powerful Tool
Our bodies are designed to handle short bursts of stress, but the continuous demands of event management can leave us stuck in “fight or flight” mode. This state, governed by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), floods the body with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, causing:
- Increased heart rate
- Shallow breathing
- Tension in muscles
- Difficulty thinking clearly
Breathwork counteracts this by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), often called the “rest and digest” system. When the PNS is activated, the body experiences:
- Slower heart rate
- Deeper, calmer breathing
- Relaxed muscles
- Improved focus and decision-making
For event professionals, this can mean the difference between reacting emotionally to a crisis or calmly resolving it.
Simple Breathwork Exercises for Event Professionals
Breathwork doesn’t require special equipment or much time, making it perfect for busy schedules. Here are a few easy techniques you can use anytime:
1. 4-5-7 Breathing
This exercise is ideal for calming the mind and reducing anxiety.
- How to practice:
- Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds.
- Hold your breath for 5 seconds.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for 7 seconds.
By focusing on the long exhale, this technique signals to your brain that it’s safe to relax and is great for activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System.
2. Box Breathing (Square Breathing)
Box breathing is a structured technique that enhances focus and steadies the mind.
- How to practice:
- Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds.
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
- Exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.
- Hold your breath again for 4 seconds.
Repeat this cycle for several minutes. Its rhythmic pattern is especially effective for grounding yourself during stressful moments.
3. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
This technique balances the nervous system and brings a sense of equilibrium.
- How to practice:
- Sit comfortably and use your thumb to close your right nostril.
- Inhale deeply through your left nostril.
- Close your left nostril with your ring finger and release your thumb to exhale through your right nostril.
- Inhale through the right nostril, then switch nostrils again.
Alternate nostril breathing can help you reset when overwhelmed or fatigued.
4. Resonant Breathing
This practice involves slow, steady breathing at a pace of about 5 breaths per minute.
- How to practice:
- Inhale deeply through your nose for 5 seconds.
- Exhale gently through your mouth for 5 seconds.
This method synchronises your heart rate and breathing, promoting a state of relaxation and coherence.
Incorporating Breathwork into Your Day
The beauty of breathwork is that it can be practiced anywhere, during a brief break, before a big presentation, or even while walking between venues. Here are some tips for making it a regular part of your routine:
- Start your day with breathwork to set a calm and focused tone.
- Use it as a reset after handling a challenging situation or difficult conversation.
- End your day with breathwork to unwind and promote restful sleep.
The Benefits for Event Professionals
By integrating breathwork into your routine, you’ll find yourself better equipped to handle the demands of your role. You’ll be more grounded, more focused, and less likely to let stress dictate your decisions. Instead of reacting to the chaos, you’ll respond with the clarity and confidence that makes events truly exceptional.
Take a Breath, and Take Charge
In the whirlwind of event planning, it’s easy to overlook the power of something as simple as your breath. But by embracing breathwork, you’re not just managing stress, you’re enhancing your ability to lead and succeed. So next time things get hectic, remember; taking a deep breath is all you need to transform the moment.
Event Wellbeing Matters 