Breathing Space to Lead

I was honored to be a part of the VHAtv Nursing Leadership Series a couple of months ago to discuss how mindfulness can help us be better leaders. As it turns out, the traits that contribute to excellence in leadership are the same qualities cultivated with mindfulness. They include:

– Presence

– Focus and creating a shared focus

– Clarity of what is most important

– Vision for the short term and long term

– Courage to be accountable

– Self-awareness

– Authenticity

– Trust

When I ask leaders what their biggest challenge is today, they often include not having enough time, spending hours in meetings, overwhelming voicemails, emails, and follow-ups in addition to dealing with unexpected interruptions and distractions all day. Does this sound familiar? We can’t make more time, but we can create more space.

Whether you are a CNO or stay-at-home mom, you are the leader in your life and need to create breathing space to lead. A mindfulness practice even for 5 minutes can give you the space to focus on the present moment, one breath at a time. This space gives you the opportunity to remember what matters most.

To create the space, (especially when you don’t have time) take a 5 minute “mindfulness break” by focusing on your breath. Try belly breathing, alternate nostril breathing or this simple zen breathing:

• Set the timer on you phone for 5 minutes
• Close your eyes and notice your breath
• Begin to count your exhale saying “one” to yourself
• Your second exhale say “two” all the way to “five”
• Start a new cycle with “one” after “five”
• When your mind wanders and you count to 12, start back with one!
• Refrain from checking the timer or allowing yourself to stop early
• When the timer goes off, open your eyes and transition slowly to your next activity

Take a mindfulness break to start your day or whenever you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, or you don’t have time for this! You will create the breathing space you need to lead effectively in every area of your life.