Breathe Before You React: Relieving Work Stress Through Breathing

Your workplace isn’t the only thing triggering you. Sometimes what looks like “I’m reacting to my boss” is actually an older emotional pattern waking up and running the same script again. Cheryl is joined by Deepak Chari for a grounded conversation on work stress, workplace anxiety, and the small, practical shifts that help you respond differently when “just calm down” feels impossible. We start with the most accessible lever you have all day: your breath. Deepak explains how stress shows up as shallow or erratic breathing, then walks through a simple heart-centred breathing practice you can do in minutes, even at your desk. Whether you think of it as mindfulness, nervous system regulation, or heart chakra work, the payoff is the same: a real pause that lowers reactivity and gives you options. From there, we dig into non-judgmental self-awareness. Noticing is information. Blame is a verdict. You’ll hear how to spot the signals (tight shoulders, slumped posture, racing breath), then “do the opposite” as a quick reset. We also talk about why tiny positive steps matter more than dramatic life overhauls, how evidence of progress builds confidence, and how a “spiral up” can replace the familiar spiral down. If you’re a manager, new leader, or high achiever carrying pressure quietly, we also explore a mindset shift that reduces burnout: separating who you are from the role you’re performing. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a calmer workday, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Send us Fan Mail The contents of this podcast are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have a specific health concern or condition, please consult a qualified Healthcare professional for more details. Check out herguru dot uk forward slash disclaimers Support the show Got feedback, a question, or a future episode suggestion? https://podcastfeedback.com/workstressanxiety Work Stress Anxiety by ABGW is part of HerGuru Hypnotherapy and Coaching™ and grounded in the ABGW Method®. Calm first. Reality first. Then change.™ Connect with Cheryl Paris LinkedIn: https://go.workstressanxiety.com/linkedin  Facebook: https://go.workstressanxiety.com/Facebook Shared stories are anonymised. This podcast is provided for educational and self- reflective purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, legal, workplace, or professional advice. Disclaimer: https://herguru.uk/disclaimers/ © Cheryl Paris. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.