You read that right. One hundred and twenty-six.
That means you’re thinking about 7,560 pieces of information per minute. It’s no wonder that being still and present – or completely focusing on the moment of time you’re in – is truly a Herculean effort.
But what if you learned that taking a simple breath could remove that deluge of data and recenter your energy?
It can. In fact, staying present even for a few seconds refocuses your energy. People average only three to four seconds of being present and mindful, with research finding “uninterrupted now” time lasting one to 10 seconds.
So, the next time you find stress bubbling in a work meeting or during your carpool pickup, try this quick and easy activity to find calm.
The 6-second breath
Re-center your energy by watching the fun little video below.
As the cat breathes in, do the same for three seconds. As it breathes out, so should you for another three seconds.
Repeat a big breath in and out for a total of six seconds and as many times as you need.
More about stress management
Top 10 Things Most People Don’t Know About Mindfulness (Psychology Today)
Stress Symptoms and How to Manage Them
Tips to Manage Stress at Work