Shari Khan writes:
Take three deep breaths
Many of you as busy professionals or managers will have full work and personal lives and regularly set yourselves targets of action.
I’d like to suggest that alongside your “to do” list you pin up a simple “to be” list. I have found that people can feel there is never enough time, but allowing yourself to just “be” by taking three deep breaths can give a sense of calm and expanded time. This is as true with senior managers I coach as with office staff.
Create your own “to be” list
In these moments of being, we are encouraged to be in the “Now”. This time out can also allow for putting into practice the latest thinking on “agile” project management. “Agility” allows time for reflection and insights that in the long run can save us time.
In the “Now” there is no place for worry, no need to do. These “Nows” are like mini refuges complete with sun, palm trees and hammocks. An oasis of being that allows you to relax in between tasks. These imaginary holidays that last just three breaths are legitimate work practice, not grounds for dismissal.
Of course you can’t allow yourself or your staff to stay in your imaginary hammocks for ever. But in these moments in between the planning and doing, you have every right and every reason to bask in the warmth of being.
Create your own “to be” list, one of my favourites is: taking three deep breaths before and after each “to do” action. Yours might be to walk round the block for fresh air, or just sit imagining it.
What colour is your hammock? Mine is sky blue
Encourage yourself and your staff to take these vital short breaks. Once refreshed, check in with your team members, communicate your latest thoughts, listen to theirs. You may come up with an inspired solution or simply feel calmer as you take on your next action.
If you can apply something from this post that helps to soothe the pressures of your busy life then it has done it's job. Or if you want to connect with me to discuss how I might be able more privately, you can do that here.
And to get started on helping yourself, you can download my free eBook 7 Guaranteed Ways to Reduce Stress, Stop Feeling Overhelmed at Work, and Get Your Life Back it has:
- 15 pages chock-full of tips for getting your life back
- Step-by-step support as you identify how you want to change
- An action plan so you can hold yourself accountable for increasing your wellbeing and resilience.
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