"Try a one-minute balance break on your own. You can time yourself with a wristwatch or clock. Sometimes it's better to close your eyes and just count nine or ten breaths; that way you can really focus on the body and the breath. When you have finished, slowly open your eyes and let yourself return to your surrounding environment.

"What did that balance break feel like for you? Frequently, participants in workshops describe their experiences as calming, relaxing, or refreshing. Some report that after only a couple of balance breaks, they begin to look forward to the next one. In general, most are surprised at how quickly stress appears in the body and at how effectively we can help to dissolve and release it. It's always good to hear people share that although their mind was off in the future when the slide appeared, coming to this awareness in itself helps them become more centered. Occasionally, there is mention of impatience, of not wanting to slow down to be present. I sometimes experience impatience when my presentation gets interrupted. But after a few moments of breathing, that fleeting sense of impatience gives way as I engage in the moment-to-moment process of regaining balance.

"Balance breaks are especially good to take during times of uncertainty and transition. Do a balance break while driving, before a meeting, while standing in line, or any time that a stress-inducing event is on the horizon. Here is a beneficial and practical way to implement one-minute balance breaks in your day.


"Practice taking a balance break at least once each morning, even if you don't think you need it. Take another during your lunch break and one more later in the afternoon. Remember, we're talking only three minutes here. If you can't take three minutes out of the day to bring balance to yourself, then you need to evaluate your lifestyle and values."