Leaders are constantly busy switching between tasks at lightning speed. They often forget to come up for air, even for just a few minutes. If I were to ask you to describe how your typical day looks, I bet you would list out a whole bunch of tasks from a lengthy to-do list. Just looking at our calendars can give us the sweats or a stomachache. We arrive at our home desks or office workstations in the early morning and take very few breaks. The next thing we recognize is that it is time to shut down our computers and roll into our personal lives.

Not taking time to refresh and gain our footing during our days can often lead to burnout or even poor decision-making. Overly focusing on performing our tasks without thinking about different perspectives or alternative solutions is never a healthy approach to our jobs.

“I think in the western world we have gotten overly identified with doing, and we’ve kind of forgotten about the art of being. And we don’t see value in it; we think that if you’re not doing something all of the time, being very active and producing something, then you’re sort of wasting your time.”  -Shakti Gawain

There actually is great value to “being” and when leaders can identify how to “be” they will grow their leadership. The benefits of balancing both “being” and “doing” can help a leader set clearer priorities as well as pinpoint their true north star.

Here are five “being” techniques for leaders to try:

1. Stop, Pause and Sit Still

We’ve all been there. A deadline is fast approaching and we are not even half-way done with our assignment. In fact, we may even be lost in the data, unable to make sense out of the information we have been given. To gain perspective, a great “being” technique is to just stop what you are doing. Pause. And sit still. By breaking apart from our task and re-centering ourselves for five minutes, may help us get back on track.

2. Take A Tea Break

When we are in a heavy-duty “doing” place, our body can drain ourselves dry. You may even feel your mouth and lips becoming dry. Now is the time for leaders to hydrate and recharge.

• Pull out a cup, glass or mug that you find appealing.
• Fill it up with a liquid that you love to drink- interesting tea, flavored water or seltzer.
• Enjoy the taste and just “be”.

3. Look Out Your Window

Another great “being” technique is stepping away from “doing” and walking towards a window. Look out at nature or city views or whatever is beyond a leader’s office space. By realigning what a leader sees can put them into a different mindset and often bring calmness and clarity. When we change our visual landscape, we can allow ourselves to reflect and feel our bodies.

4. Close Your Eyes and Breathe

Leading through a challenge at work or a project that just isn’t flowing according to plan can upset any leader. So one technique that can empower a leader to switch to a “being” mode is a very simple breathing exercise. There are many available ways to tune into our breathing and regroup. Here is one:

• Sit comfortably in your chair with your feet on floor.
• Rest your hands on your lap.
• Close your eyes.
• Take two deep breaths and then just breathe normally. Do this for a minute or two.
• Open your eyes feeling renewed and ready to “do”.

5. Let Your Mind Wander and Reflect

A final “being” technique that can be helpful for leaders is giving ourselves permission for reflection. Try to think about positive moments that bring you joy and comfort. If a negative thought comes in, just refocus and beeline to a positive mental picture. When we allow our minds to drift we not only feel more soothed, but also open ourselves up to alternatives. Our creativity may try to emerge which will help leaders in their “doing” modes.

What other “being” techniques have helped you grow your leadership?