How Mindful Breathing Improves Focus at Work

How Mindful Breathing Improves Focus at Work

The ping of an email landing in your inbox. The constant social media notifications and updates. The quick chats by the water cooler.  In our work days, there are so many things to distract us that it means we focus less on the things that matter. Chances are that email can wait, but you find yourself reading it straight away, and it pulls you out of the task you were just doing.

In a world where our attention spans seem to be getting shorter and shorter, improving our attention span leads to increased concentration, productivity, and ultimately, job satisfaction. No more panicking or stressing as you rush at the last minute to meet a deadline you’ve been working towards all week!

If you’re struggling to stick with the task at hand and find yourself procrastinating by doing things that aren’t urgent or important, we’ll take you through how you can improve your attention span at work with one simple change: mindful breathing.

What is mindful breathing?

Mindful breathing is where you focus your attention on your breathing. It involves taking the time to notice the rhythm of your breathing, each inhale and exhale. If you’re new to this, a guided meditation like  YPS Wellness Membership can walk you through the process.

Research has revealed the link between breathing exercises, meditation and a sharp mind, with the practices strengthening our ability to focus on tacks. Another study on the effectiveness of mindfulness breathing in students taking tests found that it reduced anxiety and may even have had a positive impact on scores, boosting their performance.  

So, what are the benefits of mindful breathing for your attention span?

 

Calm your anxiety

Managing anxiety can be challenging when we’re preoccupied with thoughts of things we can’t control. Mindful breathing allows us to focus on something we can control: our breathing. Counting between your inhales and exhales can bring a sense of calm and slow down your racing thoughts. Breathing exercises can also relieve stress.

 Pause your negative thoughts

 Negative thinking can intrude on our everyday tasks, pulling at our ability to concentrate. With mindful breathing, you can start to quieten your negative thoughts and be more attentive in the present moment. You’ll start to notice your breathing and the gentle rhythms of each breath, rather than anything that might be worrying you.

Fight off burnout

Taking the time out of your busy day or hectic schedule to refocus and realign is one way you can reduce the chances of burnout. A mindful breathing practice builds your awareness of the importance of rest in your day: resting with purpose, rather than it being an afterthought. Even if you have to add it into your diary so you don’t neglect it, it can prevent feelings of overwhelm.

For more tips on dealing with burnout and how to avoid it, read our blog. 

Mindful breathing in your everyday routine

Whether it’s in the morning, during lunch or before a meeting, setting aside five minutes to practice mindful breathing can help you to refocus and increase your attention span. Able to take in more information.

However, it’s important to be kind to yourself – some days are just less productive than others. Give yourself the space to slow down, do some planning, and get prepared for coming back to your desk in the morning, re-energised and ready to try again.

Optimistic thinking for professionals

With this empowering Wellbeing Support course, you’ll access expert guidance to help you be more successful in your professional capacity. By the end of the five lessons, you might see your productivity surging, and you’ll be able to put into action what you have learned, approaching work and life with a more positive outlook.

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Paul – Lead Account Manager

Working alongside Dr Yates, Paul ensures that services are well organised, accessible and delivered with care.

Paul oversees client relationships and supports the smooth running and development of YPS, helping individuals, families and organisations feel confident and supported from first contact onwards.

Paul’s focus includes:

  • Building strong, steady client relationships
  • Ensuring services are clear and easy to navigate
  • Supporting the growth and stability of YPS creating welcoming experiences that feel calm and reassuring
  • Web development, and videography
  • He ensures that YPS remains grounded, responsive and is focused on helping people move forward with confidence.

Paul leads on client relationship management, service coordination and organisational development. Paul works closely with schools, families and partner organisations to ensure clarity of communication, timely delivery and high service standards.

He supports referral pathways, contractual arrangements and long-term partnership development, helping ensure services remain consistent, reliable and professionally delivered.

Outside of work, Paul’s main passion is Walking Football. He plays for East Devon, Devonshire County, and South West County. His biggest achievement is having trials with the Over 50s England Walking Football group in 2025. He also enjoys restoring and driving classic cars. 

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Joseph - Assistant Psychologist

BSc Hons in Tourism Management, Tourism, and Business Management, MSc Psychology Conversion, MSc Occupational Psychology

Working under the clinical supervision of Dr Yvonne Yates, Joseph supports the assessment and development of psychological services across the organisation.

Joseph’s work focuses on:

  • Supporting psychological assessment processes
  • Assisting in the preparation of structured reports
  • Contributing to the development of wellbeing and learning resources, and delivering training
  • Supporting data organisation and research-informed practice
  • Assisting with service delivery coordination

He has a strong interest in evidence-based psychology and values clarity, structure and ethical practice.

Outside of work, Joseph enjoys spending time with his springer spaniel, Willow, and going for long walks with her and the family. When he can, he hits the ski slopes on his snowboard, and he also likes ice-skating. 

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Dr Yates - CEO, Lead Psychologist

HCPC-Registered Educational Psychologist | Founder, YPS Psychology Ltd

Dr Yates has speciailist expertise in ADHD, depression, anxiety, learning differences (SpLD), and emotional wellbeing with children, young people, and adults.

She holds a Doctorate in Psychology (University of Manchester) and has extensive experience delivering:

• Educational psychology assessments, including ADHD and SpLD
• Mental health assessment and therapy
• Social skills and emotional regulation support

Dr Yates has worked in public organisations, including, schools, the NHS, and local authorities, and in private practice, for universities, colleges, and therapy healthcare bodies, such as, AXA PPP and Bupa. 

She is the author of Human Givens Therapy with Adolescents (Jessica Kingsley Publishers) and has published peer-reviewed research on adolescent wellbeing.

Her approach combines evidence-based psychology with practical, real-life strategies that help individuals feel calmer, more confident, and better equipped to succeed at school, university, and work.

Outside of work, Dr Yates is an avid crocheter and is also quite partial to silent discos. She looks forward to spending evenings by the fire, and watching movies with the family whilst creating her latest crochet piece.