How many times do you engage with others each day? Whether it’s a face-to-face conversation, a phone call, a text message, or an email, most of us have numerous interactions each day with our fellow humans.
Here’s something to try: before you engage, consciously take a breath. It only takes a moment, but it can help you settle your mind, prepare to communicate and, yes, even quell rising frustration.
If you are about to email or text someone, try adding a smile too. They won’t see it, but it might make you feel more positive as you type the message.
It will probably feel bizarre at first, but as an experiment see if that momentary breath makes a difference to how you communicate.