Last week I finished a coaching session, and was using the bathroom when I was stopped (in my tracks. There, on the bathroom door was a little sign that read:
Stop
Just before you leave
Pause for five seconds and
.. feel the blood race through your body
.. feel your heart beat in your chest
.. experience the miracle of life.
Why can this practise change your life?
Mindfulness, centring and breathing have all been shown to provide benefits above and beyond the immediate returns you receive.
In part, the practice of stopping creates a circuit breaker in an otherwise hectic day. It provides a pause to consciously reflect on how you are feeling at that moment and to reset that if necessary.
We know that we often don’t breathe properly or deeply enough.
Taking some time to take some really deep breaths in and out – even it is for just five seconds provides calmness, encourages full oxygen exchange; and can slow the heartbeat and lower or stabilize blood pressure.
And smiling? Well we know that provides both mental and physical benefits. Or, as this Psychology Today article says:
Each time you smile you throw a little feel-good party in your brain. The act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness.
Check this post out – What is Happiness and How to Cultivate it for more tips on how to build happiness into your life.
The five second reminder
We know this stuff, but often forget to do it – so the five second reminder is powerful.
It needs to be somewhere where you will see it, but not see it so often that you stop actually “seeing” it.
The bathroom mirror or door are a good place. Or perhaps tucked in your diary or notebook.
Give it a go.. Surely something that takes five seconds but has the benefits listed above is worth a try? You can download the picture above or make your own sign that works for you. Remember to report back with how you found it.
Until next week, happy leading,
