Recently I donated a keynote speech to a networking organization dedicated to supporting executives in job transition periods. My session focused on managing one’s Fight-or-Flight Stress Response before and during an interview; this is the response that, when overly active, may cause our hearts to race, our palms to sweat and our mind to blank when it should not.
One of the most effective ways for preventing the Fight-or-Flight Response from getting triggered too easily is to use the simplest of tools, which is available to us at all times: our breath.
Of the many existing breathing techniques, I have found that most people take readily to the one called Alternate Nostril Breathing. (See an excellent description of this at http://www.holisticonline.com/Yoga/hol_yoga_breathing-ex-nadisodh.htm)
I recommend practicing this breathing sequence 5 minutes a day – it will do wonders to your overall stress resilience. Separately or in addition to regular practice, this breathing can be used anytime you’re faced with a potentially stressful situation, such as a job interview, an important presentation etc.
A few short minutes of alternate nostril breathing will have a significantly grounding effect. Try it!
