Clare Maxwell’s Post

Want to know a secret? Just about everyone has a BIG reaction to things when they’re under enormous pressure. Sometimes it’s the last straw…. Yep, they really do… no matter what level they are in the organisation and how experienced they are. Even those who meditate or exercise each day have those moments. Add in disrupted sleep and it’s even more likely to happen. So as one of my coaching clients who rang me in one of these moments recently experienced, there is a first step you can take to calm yourself, regain composure and settle the cortisol flooding your body so you’re able to move through the rest of your day. It’s a simple technique I learned more than 25 years ago and, as the senior leader on the end of the phone with me experienced, it works. I learned it as Equal Breathing, others call it balanced breathing. The #technique: - Sit on a chair, feet flat on the floor, feeling grounded - Breathe IN through the nose for 4-6 counts, HOLD for 4-6 counts, and OUT through the mouth 4-6 counts. What ever count is comfortable (don’t put yourself under pressure) do the same for the in, hold and out. You can do it at your desk or jump into a meeting room to ensure you’re not interrupted. Try it any time even when you're not under pressure, it's a great centering exercise. I’m always about sharing useful techniques with my connections. What have you found that works?  #oncallcoach #leaderunlcoker #teamunlocker #executivecoach #leadership #breathwork #equalbreathing

Life doesn’t get easier, but you get better at facing what comes. We can feel enveloped by the pain that this human experience can bring on, but I want to remind you that moment by moment, day by day, you can keep going. You can keep focusing on healing, on facing what hurts, and neutralizing the triggers that won’t leave you alone. I fight these demons everyday. But I double down on the support system around me, the habit and routines that can nourish me or let the anxiety out of my body, and with that key relationship with my mind. It doesn’t get easier, but you do get stronger. #emotionalresilience #itgetsbetter #selflovequotes #resilient #dontgiveuponyourself #gritandgrace #perseverance If you’re interested in diving into the topics of resilient leadership, workplace well-being, and more, reach out to have me join your conference or workplace for a keynote or training. I love this work and sharing the research behind resilience and well-being with others.

Let's talk about the ghosts of past workplaces. Many of us carry the weight of these experiences, often seen as badges of honor, but in reality, they leave us feeling afraid, uncertain, and disconnected. Undoing their effects requires courage and self-reflection. That's why we've created a 10-minute guided meditation audio to help you navigate this journey. Through visualization and Qigong healing sounds, we aim to address and heal these lingering wounds, facilitating their release. ✨ Dive into this meditation and experience a sense of relief as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Set aside any skepticism for just 10 minutes and observe how you feel afterwards. You might be surprised at the transformation awaiting you. 🔗https://buff.ly/3Tzb7Ss #leadership #management #health #wellness

Hello leaders! 🌟 Stress is an inevitable part of executive life, especially in tech and construction. But managing it effectively is key to maintaining high performance. 🧘 Breathing Techniques: Try the 4-7-8 breathing method for instant calm. 💡 Quick Relaxation: Progressive muscle relaxation to ease tension. 🏋️ Physical Activity: Regular exercise to boost mental and physical resilience. What stress management techniques do you swear by? Share your methods with us! Join our group for more insights! https://bit.ly/4dPGwIJ #StressManagement #LeadershipWellness #ExecutiveHealth #TechLeaders #ConstructionLeaders

A Dose of #lifestylemedicine Cultivating a calm mind and leaning into curiosity can help us navigate conversations and situations when we are in the company of those who challenge us. By recognizing that empathy is not endorsement, we can listen to understand instead of speaking from a place of judgment. Ruminating about negative interactions with others can negatively impact our well-being by increasing our stress levels and making it challenging to get a good night’s sleep. To truly understand another’s perspective, we must commit to being fully present accepting them as they are in the moment as opposed to focusing on past interactions. It is our choice as to how we will approach the conversation. We can listen to gain a deeper understanding as opposed to trying to fix the other person and their beliefs. It can become a heavy burden to ruminate about how much we want to fix or change others so that they can become what we think we need. It is only when we release this burden that we are able to cultivate peace and feel the tension melting away. Inststead of trying to fix others who differ from us, we can get more curious and accept that we have a different perspective. #coaching #leadership #wellness #wellbeing #behaviorchange #workplacewellbeing #workplacewellness #humanresources #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #corporatewellness #corporatewellbeing

Just like there is no cheat code for good health, there's no easy out for good leadership either. If we want to enjoy the benefits of good health, we know we have to eat well, exercise, get quality sleep, and find a spiritual practice like meditation to clear the cobwebs. It requires daily intention. The same goes for leadership. If we want the benefits of good leadership, we need to practice daily with intention. What are some of your daily leadership practices? #bestpractices #leadershipcoach #leadingwithjoy

Feeling a little uninspired? Sometimes, the best way to clear your mind is to engage your body. Whether you’re remote, hybrid or at the office, carve time to take a short walk, and maybe find a tree to climb. Studies suggest that physical activity, especially outdoors, can improve your mood and mental clarity. So, why not give your mind a big ol’ hug? Plus, it’s an opportunity to collect stories for your next meeting. #GoOutside #HugYourMind #PoorToRico #Leadership #Performance #MentalHealth #EmployeeEngagement

Do you spend most of your time in the Green or in the Red? Ask yourself: 💬 What am I really am responsible for? Lead those things FIRST and do them really WELL. It takes discipline for some of us as the other circles can look more interesting. 🗨 If there's time left, what do I have influence over and an opportunity to get involved with - do those things next. 💬 Lastly, what is in the Red circle that sucks our time and causes a lack of sleep - take a line from Elsa's song and "Let It Go"! #coaching #teamperformance #earlyincareers #timemanagement #productivity

Each drop increases the flow and each person can contribute to the creation of value.   How to encourage those who don't yet know how? How to wake up those who would rather sleep? How to connect all potentials to make a turnaround and co-create value for the 5Ps?   This will also be the topic of AEIOU Executive: Future CEO from May 20 to 23 in Gozd Martuljek. Be there. Reserve your place: https://lnkd.in/d_W9VZpv Note: Early bird registrations only by the end of February. #leadershipcoaching #leadershipdevelopment #consciousleadership