<br> <p>Would it surprise you if I told you that the very first thing I teach senior executives in my coaching practice is how to breathe? It´s true. </p>
<p>As executives in today´s fast paced environment we are constantly shifting gears, running from one thing to another - and often running on empty.</p>
<p>My clients report that these breathing exercises bring clarity, focus, calm and responsiveness to their business and personal interactions.</p>
<p>This simple breathing exercise can be done in just a few minutes during drive time, before a meeting and/or <u>during</u> a meeting to help focus and calm your mind, so that you can be responsive rather than reactive in your interactions.</p>
<p><b>Conscious Breathing</b></p>
<p>1)Sit (or stand) tall with your head, neck and torso in one long line.</p>
<p>2)Close your eyes if you are alone and seated.</p>
<p>3) Even if you are on the 10<sup>th</sup> floor, feel the solidity of the ground below you.</p>
<p>4) Breathe in to a slow count of 3 through your nose.</p>
<p>5) Breathe out to a slow count of 3 through your nose.</p>
<p>6)Repeat 9 more times.</p>
<p>Practice this at least once daily for one month. Remember to use this simple practice next time the pressure is on and notice what changes. I´d love to hear about your experience with this simple but powerful exercise. Please share with me at the email address below.</p>
<p>Dare to Deliver</p>
<p>Merry Marcus</p>
<p><a href="http://www.breakthroughconsulting.com/">www.breakthroughconsulting.com</a></p>
<hr>
<p>As always, feel free to drop me a line at <a href="mailto:mmarcus@breakthroughconsulting.com">mmarcus@breakthroughconsulting.com</a>, or submit a question to my twice-monthly Hr.com column - <i>Ask The Coach</i>. Twice a month I will answer your questions about your toughest leadership and career issues. Submit your coaching question to <i>Ask the Coach: </i> <a target="new" href="mailto:mmarcus@breakthroughconsulting.com?source=HRcom"><u>click here</u></a>.</p>
