Tuesday, November 11, 2014

The Mind Really Matters: How to Gain a Mental Edge

Simple acts help pros elevate their abilities. How to gain a mental edge:
• Inhale. That old advice to take a deep breath before an important moment has scientific credence. It's what medical professionals are reminded to do first when caring for a critical patient, according to Romie Mushtaq, a physician and expert in a niche called mindful living. Taking in oxygen calms nerves and nourishes intellect to help you be at your best.
"The same principle will apply to the business world," she told IBD.
• Listen to exhaustion. Mushtaq knows stress. As a neurologist, she had chest pain and difficulty swallowing, signaling her own professional burnout. "It can happen to anyone," she said.
Rather than look inward for an answer, worn-out professionals tend to point fingers.
"We blame the job, a boss, a toxic colleague," Mushtaq said.
• Prioritize relief. Often we're simply not taking care of ourselves.
"We confuse self-compassion and self-care with selfishness," she said, and we put ourselves last.
Make a list of things that calm your senses — a walk, a music break, an artistic outlet — and turn to those activities for relief.
Once you start to feel the benefits, "that 20 minutes is very easy to find," Mushtaq said.
• Switch it off. Can't sleep because you're worrying about tomorrow? "Replace the to-do list with a gratitude list," Mushtaq said.
Think of five things that happened that day for which you're grateful. Such a shift releases neurochemicals that boost relaxation.
Read the rest of these simple acts HERE.

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