The instruction of "Guided Breath Awareness" to a group of healthcare workers to decrease moderate to high stress level.

Goal is to decrease stress levels. Using a numeric scale, the group will individually measure themselves 0-10 (0 being NO stress, 10 being WORST stress) each working shift. The clients will begin their shift, mid-shift (meal break), and end shift with Guided Breath Awareness. This will be repeated 5 days per week for the next 3 weeks.

The group consists of healthcare workers:
51 year old male, Director of facility, no remarkable health history
55 year old male, history of gall bladder removal, heart condition
70 year old female, history of arthritis, caregiver to special needs grandchild

Plan was to meet with these healthcare workers and teach them Guided Breath Breath Awareness to aid in Stress Management. The 2 minute breathing technique is initially taught in a group setting, completed individually pre,mid and post working shift. Due to different schedules these workers would monitor themselves , record their stress levels on a numeric scale (0= NO stress, 10 = WORST stress), keep document recordings for the each of the three times per day, 5 days/ week for 3 weeks. End of each week (Friday afternoons)I would follow up with the clients to touch base

Under the umbrella of Integral Yoga breathing techniques, or pranayama falls under Hatha Yoga. The physical practice, including breathwork brings awareness to the body. This awareness can include the functions of the body, becoming aware of the self in an optimal state, but it is also important as it is a guide to understand when we are not in an optimal state. If the body is under stress, breathing techniques such as Guided Breath Awareness, can be used to aid the Autonomic Nervous System to regulate itself to find balance.

Increased stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, or fight/flight response. Guided Breath Awareness, as a pranayamic technique, is a tool to meet that stress, its effects in the body (increase HR, BP, cortisol,etc) and activate Parasympathetic Nervous System. Activating the PNS will illicit the Relaxation Response, directly decreasing stress levels.

Each of the three clients were incredibly busy, with each a demanding workload. They were open to the idea of decreasing stress, as it is a factor in their lives but were apprehensive that "breathing" would benefit them. Due to the fact they are healthcare workers, they were receptive to the use of Guided Breath Awareness affecting the ANS. Shifting the use of this technique into a language they could understand, how it can affect the body on a nervous system level made it clear to them the exact reason for its implementation, therefore being more receptive to it.

Initially the Guided breath was taught in a group setting ( me instructing the three clients) in a private room. Once they were clear on the breath, its duration of time (2 mins) and how to document their findings, they were told to continue with it as instructed. (Each verbally expressed understanding). Due to their busy schedules, how that can be distracting, they were encouraged to have these "breath awareness times" added onto their schedules (noted in the scheduling system on the computer), clearly marked "Breath Breaks" to aid in compliance.
Feedback was this was helpful, simply because their schedules can easily pull them in different directions.

Yes, the intended plan was to teach a specific breathing technique to aid in Stress reduction. Guided Breath awareness is a simple but effective tool that can be done by anyone, anytime, anywhere for the benefit of decreasing stress.
Initially teaching the technique, instructing the record keeping and following up were all completed by myself. The Guided Breath Awareness technique was then done by the clients individually.
Feedback from the three clients was that initially was done on a regular basis (for the first few days) but instances of skipping days or shorter duration was relayed.
Overall the clients did implement this technique to the best of their ability, and they did see a decrease in stress levels.

I think each of the clients needed to adapt the technique into their schedules, as they all were different. The plan, once instructed, was clear for the clients to follow, but scheduling and job related issues (at times) made it difficult for them to adhere to the schedule.

Overall feedback was:
Pre shift was "easist"
Midshift "forgot to do"
Post shift "was shorter in time"

I feel that this is such a simple but incredibly effective breathing technique and stress reducer. Even though the time with these clients in this specific setting is now finished, they now have this tool they know can aid in decreasing their very present stress.

Due to my rapport with these three clients, they were receptive to trying this case study. Stress is an open topic, how workload and care for patients is demanding, how paperwork can be overwhelming, how stress is apparent each day and often laughed off. They each liked the breathing technique for its simplicity, but possibly I would change it slightly, removing the "midshift" time, as feedback was that was forgotten. (Midshift coincided with lunch break).

I do feel the take-away was that each of the three healthcare workers did see that taking time for simple guided breath awareness can take them out of a stressful environment - ever so briefly, and give them a effective tool for releasing stress, creating ease and focus. I do hope they continue to use this technique going forward.