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.
As executives in today´s fast paced environment we are constantly shifting gears, running from one thing to another - and often running on empty.
My clients report that these breathing exercises bring clarity, focus, calm and responsiveness to their business and personal interactions.
This simple breathing exercise can be done in just a few minutes during drive time, before a meeting and/or during a meeting to help focus and calm your mind, so that you can be responsive rather than reactive in your interactions.
Conscious Breathing
1)Sit (or stand) tall with your head, neck and torso in one long line.
2)Close your eyes if you are alone and seated.
3) Even if you are on the 10th floor, feel the solidity of the ground below you.
4) Breathe in to a slow count of 3 through your nose.
5) Breathe out to a slow count of 3 through your nose.
6)Repeat 9 more times.
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.
Dare to Deliver
Merry Marcus
www.breakthroughconsulting.com
As always, feel free to drop me a line at mmarcus@breakthroughconsulting.com, or submit a question to my twice-monthly Hr.com column - Ask The Coach. Twice a month I will answer your questions about your toughest leadership and career issues. Submit your coaching question to Ask the Coach: click here.
