1-minute read.
In today’s relentless work environment, where back-to-back meetings and productivity pressures dominate, it’s easy to feel scattered. Yet, mastering focus is essential for leaders to thrive, fostering self-awareness, calm amidst office politics, sound decision-making, and innovative thinking. When overwhelmed, try these “in-the-moment” strategies to ground your thoughts:
- Recognize and accept your emotions. Acknowledging feelings can diminish their power, freeing mental capacity for higher-level thinking—a concept David Rock of the NeuroLeadership Institute encapsulates as “name it to tame it.”
- Engage your senses. The aroma of tea, the texture of a cup, the warming or cooling sensation, the taste of a sip—these sensory experiences can sharpen focus and enhance mental well-being by tapping into the brain’s emotional and memory centers, fostering a positive mindset.
- Integrate brief physical activity into your schedule. Consider apps or timers for reminders. Better yet, encourage your team in a meeting to start with a stretch. A simple stretch can release muscle tension and promote relaxation, aiding mental reset and concentration.
- Breathe mindfully. Find a breathing ritual or mantra that works for you such as inhaling deeply for seven counts, holding, and exhaling for seven. Alternatively, you might embrace the tranquility of Thich Nhat Hanh’s mantra: “Breathing in, I know am breathing in. Breathing out, I know am breathing out.” This simple practice can revitalize your mind and soothe your spirit.
By adopting these practices, you can navigate a demanding workday with clarity and composure.
