Finding workloads taller and fuses shorter in Finance these days? Rising stress levels are a sure efficiency killer. But half a minute, a dollar and an open mind can tame some of the tension and get productivity up.
Many experts will tell you that yoga or meditation is the route to a less stressful existence.
Not going to start moving desks around to clear a space for sun salutations anytime soon? Didn’t think so.
There’s a simpler, faster trick that can get staffers to un-frazzle, according to business and career coach Karen Salmansohn:
Blow up a balloon.
One trip to the dollar store will net you enough for more balanced employees for a whole year. Here’s what to do:
- Give each staffer a balloon.
- Have them blow into the balloon with three breaths, for 3 seconds. (Remind everyone to hold the balloon’s tail so the air doesn’t leak out.)
- Catch your breath in three breaths (for a total of 3 seconds).
- Repeat until the entire balloon is completely blown up.
You’ve gotten the best of yoga and meditation in less about 30 seconds: The act of blowing up a balloon taps into the same breathing benefits received in both. Plus, when people are caught up with the action of blowing up a balloon, they can’t be obsessing about problems, work or otherwise.