
CPR: taking the stress out of practicing public speaking
Practicing a speech is intimidating. Not only do you have to know your stuff, but you also have to think about your structure, your gestures, and your audience. Here’s how to use...
by Francesca Giulia Mereu Published January 7, 2025 in Brain Circuits • 4 min read
Write a one-line note of gratitude on a piece of paper (it can be about anything; from the smell of your new shower gel to an important friendship or surviving the holiday festivities) and leave it next to your tea or coffee. If you are going back into a shared workspace, leave the note in a visible place and invite others to add their one-liners below yours to help lift the general mood.
Notice the beauty around you. Look for small, ordinary things, such as a bird on a branch or an interesting pattern in a cloud. Take a photo on your phone to remind yourself of it during the day and share it with others.
Confine your worries to a 15-minute window at a suitable time daily. Without forcing yourself to think positively, set a timer and dive into what is causing you to feel anxious. You may well find you don’t need the full 15 minutes and feel better afterwards for having “gone there”.
Our lives are filled with ringtones and alarms of various kinds. But do you actually like the sound of your phone’s ring and the alerts your devices use to grab your attention, or do they sound like an alarm bell? Go through the menu options on your devices and select melodies that are agreeable and soothing to hear.
When we smile or laugh, our brains release endorphins and serotonin, stimulating feelings of wellbeing and reducing the sensation of stress. Use your physiology to lighten your psychology by looking at a photo or video stored on your phone or laptop of a moment that makes you laugh.
When you feel your spirits flagging or are in need of a mental pick-me-up, try these simple tips, and share them freely with anyone around you. It’s surprising how easy it can be to lift not only your own mood, but that of others in the vicinity – even perfect strangers!
Executive coach
An executive coach with over 25 years of experience, she is also the author of Recharge Your Batteries and a certified yoga teacher. Her “Energy Check” is available online. She regularly works with the Center of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation (CCHN) and at IMD with senior leaders of global organizations. Follow her LinkedIn Group on managing your energy.
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