Empowering resilience through breathwork in high-stress work environments

I had the privilege of conducting a webinar on breathwork for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), one of the largest UN peacekeeping operations. Working with professionals who operate in high-stress environments underscored a powerful truth: mental wellbeing is not just a personal asset but an organizational necessity.

Breathwork, a practice as ancient as it is accessible, offers a unique tool for grounding, managing stress, and enhancing overall wellbeing. It is powerful, requires no equipment, and is freely available to all. Yet, its impact on mental resilience and performance is profound—something we witnessed firsthand during the session as participants explored simple, effective techniques to recalibrate and refocus.

I was deeply honoured that Madam Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the UN, joined our session and delivered an inspiring closing speech. Her support for this initiative highlighted the UN’s commitment to mental health and the importance of providing teams with tools to build resilience.

A special thanks to Zia Khan, Chief of the Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Unit at MONUSCO, whose vision and coordination made this session possible. His commitment to supporting MONUSCO’s teams underscores the vital role that leaders play in prioritising mental health.

As organisations continue to face the demands of a fast-paced world, investing in mental health strategies like breathwork isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential. Empowering employees with these tools promotes a resilient workforce and cultivates an environment where individuals feel supported and valued.

I’m honoured to have worked with MONUSCO and look forward to seeing more organisations integrate mental health initiatives that can transform workplaces. After all, our breath is our constant companion—a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful resources are those that are right within reach.

#Breathwork #EmployeeWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #UN #MONUSCO #WorkplaceWellbeing #DanaVeda