Deep breathing is a simple yet powerful technique that can be used to improve overall health and well-being in the workplace. It is a form of meditation that involves taking slow, deep breaths in and out in order to calm the mind and reduce stress. One of the main benefits of deep breathing in the workplace is that it can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Stress is a common problem in the workplace, and it can lead to a variety of negative health outcomes, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and anxiety disorders. By taking a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing, employees can reduce their stress levels and improve their overall well-being.
Hā Habit is now offering workshops throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, designed to help staff develop a habit of self-regulation through deep breathing. We teach you how to interrupt habitual patterns of stress and anxiety and create new neural pathways that lead to awareness and calmness.
For many of us, we avoid discomfort because we don't feel safe, we're scared we can't handle the feeling, or we're worried that it might not go away. That's why it's so powerful learning how to calm our tinana (body) and hinengaro (mind) to remind ourselves that we are safe, even though we are allowing ourselves to feel unpleasant emotions. The Hā (breath) is the perfect way to do this. When we breathe deep into the diaphragm, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, our body's natural self-calming system. Also being able to navigate the hinengaro (thought patterns and emotions) in a way that's helpful is key, instead of ruminating on thoughts that make us feel anxious, overwhelmed, and fearful.
Another benefit of deep breathing in the workplace is that it can improve focus and concentration. The fast-paced nature of many workplaces can make it difficult to stay focused and on task. Deep breathing can help to clear the mind, allowing employees to better focus on their work. It can also improve memory, which can be helpful when trying to remember important information or deadlines.
What is unique about Hā Habit workshops, is that they offer both an Indigenous/Māori and Western perspective on breathwork. From an indigenous worldview, the Hā not only helps to calm the hinengaro (mind) and tinana (body), but also helps to connect us to our taha wairua (spiritual side). When we learn to become more self-aware through the Hā, we start accessing our higher-self where we can become more creative, connected, calm and have clarity.
Here is an overview of our sessions.
Breathing Through Stress: The Hā Approach to Workplace Well-being
$197 per person | Minimum of 6 people - Maximum 15 people per session
What's included:
1 x Hā Taonga (Tool) of your choice per person
1 x E-book: Breaking cycles of Anxiety & Stress | Delve deeper into our human conditioning & how to break patterns of stress using Hā
1 x 120 min Zoom coaching session or in person with Julia Wikeepa
Intro/Whakawhanaungatanga (15 minutes)
Karakia. Connect, learn about each other
Nervous System and Emotional Regulation & Hā Wairua (50 minutes)
Introduction to the concept of breathwork (Māori & Western perspective) & how it works. Overview of the science behind nervous system regulation, emotional regulation techniques, and Hā from a te ao Māori lens. Strategies for everyday nervous system regulation using the Hā & Hā Tool.
Breathwork Practice/ Mahi Hā (40 minutes)
Belly or Chest Breather? Practice diaphragmatic breathing
Learn how to respond to stress with the AROHĀ concept
Group guided Hā session
Integration and Next Steps (15 minutes)
Share any insights or experiences that arose during the exercise.
Discuss how you can integrate the practice into daily life suggestions for continued practice.
Close with Karakia
We would love to find out how we can assist you and your organisation's needs. If you are a school, learning environment, retreat, business or social organisation, get in touch. To find out more about Hā Habit workshops and availability, make contact via the form below or at info@hahabitnz.com.
Hā Habit is based in Tauranga. I am happy to facilitate the workshop in person at no extra cost for organisations in the area. If travel is required, mileage will be charged at 79 cents per kilometer. We look forward to connecting with you.
Arohanui.xx
Julia Wikeepa | Hā Habit Founder