Welcome to this week's issue of Executive Insight. 

"Reboot" Your System

Something must be in the air this week, because I've talked to more people than usual who are showing obvious signs of stress. These folks are usually upbeat (or at least fake it well!), but have been noticeably negative about their activity and productivity.

Of course, being a dispenser of advice, I offered a quick tip, which is to get up from your desk and move around.

This isn't as simplistic as it may seem. When we change our physical state, it actually triggers a "switch" in our brains. This disrupts our mental pattern in a way that jolts us into seeing things differently.

Here's an example. Have you ever worked on a problem and struggled to find a solution? Unknowingly, you got up to get coffee or go to the restroom and on your way back to your office, the answer "magically" appeared.

Think of the pattern interrupt as a mini "reboot" to your system. It's a no-cost, low-tech way to get back on track.

Usually we're not even conscious about doing this, so I invite you to pay attention to this in the days ahead. If you're desk-bound, consider the following:

• Move around at least once an hour - it only takes a few minutes to get results.
• If you find that you're still stuck, put that work aside and move to a different task altogether.
• If you're experiencing noticeable negative emotions (fear, anxiety, etc.), get some exercise. This releases endorphins that will help to quell the negative feelings.

And, if you really want to reboot, take a cue from Ellen DeGeneres, and get up and dance!

Have a great week!

 

 

Copyright 2010 Lisa M. Aldisert

 

 

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Our goal is to provide you with timely tips so that you can more effectively run your business. We know you have a ton of mail in your inbox, so we're committed to brevity and practicality.

 

 

 

On this Day in History
President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act in 1862.