Before reacting

Often the reply is half-formed before the other person has finished. A quick yes, a defence, a correction, ready to go.

Some people find that one breath before responding changes what comes next.

The effect is small, but it repeats. Some research suggests a slow breath settles the body a little. That may make the next words easier to choose.

What happens in that one breath?

For a week, try it before you answer a message, an email, or someone speaking to you.

Take one slow breath.

Let the exhale be the long, easy part. Then reply.

Notice what shifts in that breath, in you or in what you say.