Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust staff were experiencing sustained workload pressures, cognitive demand, and emotional strain, challenges common across NHS services.

The aim was not to remove stress, but to strengthen staff capacity to regulate and recover within real working conditions.

The Approach:

We delivered a 6-week physiology-based breath and movement programme, supporting staff to:

• Regulate stress responses during the working day
• Sustain focus under cognitive demand
• Recover more effectively between periods of load

Sessions were tailored to CFT staff and included a dedicated workshop on Recovery & Night-Time Physiology, following previous feedback identifying sleep disruption as a key challenge.

Alongside participant delivery, a Facilitator Pilot Programme supported internal capacity building. NHS staff developed confidence in facilitating short breathwork sessions, using supplied guided audios and structured resources to help embed practices sustainably within teams.

The programme was delivered fully online and designed to integrate into busy clinical and non-clinical roles.

This formed part of a Quality Improvement (QI) project, delivered in collaboration with the CFT Research and Wellbeing Team.

As a Quality Improvement evaluation, findings focused on feasibility, acceptability, and perceived impact rather than formal statistical testing.

Evaluation Measures:

Baseline and post-programme data were collected using quantitative and qualitative measures, including:

• Mood and focus at work
• Confidence using breathwork and movement
• Ability to manage stress
• Feasibility of integrating practices into busy roles
• Motivation to continue

Results:

Confidence Increased Significantly

All post-programme respondents reported at least neutral confidence in using breath and movement techniques independently, with the majority reporting moderate to high confidence.

Emotional Regulation Improved

Participants described earlier awareness of stress signals and a stronger capacity to regulate in real time.

“I’m able to focus my thoughts better and take control rather than spiralling.”

“I feel able to take on challenges without becoming overwhelmed.”

“I’m able to centre myself more quickly and block out distractions.”

“I feel more focused and motivated, with clearer thinking and improved mood.”

Practical, Usable Tools

Techniques were described as realistic and usable during pressure points:

“I feel I have a coping strategy to use when I’m really under pressure.”

“I’ve sometimes forgotten to use it, but I know it helps when I do.”

Honest Reflection

Systemic pressures remained. The programme did not reduce workload, but it changed how staff responded to it.

Summary:

The programme was:

• Feasibility within sustained NHS workload pressures
• Strengthened confidence and intentional stress regulation
• Strong perceived value and recommendation

The most consistent shift was not simply “calm”, it was increased capacity and intentional self-regulation under pressure.

If you are exploring supportive, evidence-informed ways to strengthen workforce capacity under sustained pressure, we would be happy to share the full QI evaluation report.