An underutilized tool that we have available to us at all times is the connection between the mind and the body. It has been determined that we understand that the mental impacts the physiological and vice versa. The more we reap benefits for our brains as it is both, an organ of the body and the mind where we think, produce and experience our soul. This translates into clearer thinking, staying cool and collected and enhanced memory. A simple practice to do before a challenging customer contact or task that you feel less than confident in performing, combines the use of purposely breathing to calm the nervous system and laying out in your mind how you’d like to see things go. Here are the steps:
- Go into a space for 2- minutes where you know you will not be disturbed (Use a bathroom stall if you have to)
- Locate your breath and inhale right into your belly. Purposely slow your exhalation down so that it takes longer than your in-breath did.
- After several breaths like this begin to visualize a positive picture of how the next part of your day is going to go. For instance, imagine yourself connecting well with a customer, helping them to feel glad that they are working with you. Or feel yourself confidently leading a meeting.
- Give yourself one word or short phrase to remind you of this picture. Examples might be “happy customer” or “communicating clearly”. Take one more deep breath to reinforce the mantra and go out and see it unfold as this type of visualization gives the brain a positive program to connect to and follow.