How on earth could changing your breath change your leadership?! You may ask. Well, it surprised me in my own life, and today in this short blog, I’ll touch on how breath work may benefit not only your mental health but also your leadership.
What is leadership?
Leadership is a hugely discussed topic. I frequently receive podcast guest requests from people wanting to talk about it. For me, leadership is about the ability to influence and impact others in a way that ideally benefits them—starting with yourself.
I’ve come to realize there are different types of leadership in life. For me, it doesn’t mean you have to be a CEO or a Director. Leadership can manifest in how you lead yourself, your relationships, a small team, a sports group, or in countless other contexts. Personally, I’ve led teams, organized events, and delivered talks.
How has breath work helped me with leadership?
First and foremost, I need to lead myself. If I can’t set an example for myself or influence myself to take action on what I want, I won’t be as effective a leader for others.
Breath work has given me the ability to truly connect with myself. It enables me to listen to and understand myself on a deeper level. This deeper self-awareness strengthens my relationship with myself, which, in turn, improves my ability to influence and impact others.
Breath work also helps me become more connected to the present moment. The breath is a gateway to presence, allowing me to connect more deeply with the people around me. Have you ever had a conversation where it felt like the other person wasn’t really there with you? I’ve experienced that many times, and the difference is striking when you’re with someone who is truly present. Breath work has helped me bring that presence to my interactions.
Additionally, breath work has allowed me to release stress. Releasing stress has been transformative—it has enabled me to hold space for others. I believe that holding space is a crucial aspect of leadership. As human beings, we don’t just interact through words; we also communicate through our energy and nervous systems (for more on this, check out Deb Dana’s Polyvagal Theory).
While mindset work, maintaining a positive outlook, and having a clear vision are all important, I’ve found that misaligned energy can limit my leadership effectiveness. The most impactful way for me to realign has been through addressing the needs of my body, and this is where the beauty of breath work lies.
These blogs are my own personal experience on mental health and personal development and should not be treated as professional advice. Please consult a professional where needed.
Jonny Pardoe,
Breath Work Practitioner,
Men’s Mental Health Advocate, Speaker, Writer and Top 1% Podcast Host
Founder of The Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset Ltd
