Reduce Anxiety in 40 Seconds

If you could reduce someone’s anxiety in just 40 seconds, would you? 

Paying compassionate attention will reduce their cortisol levels and heart rate whether you are listening to someone giving a presentation, talking to a patient, having a one-on-one with a colleague, or listening to your child tell you about their day.

Johns Hopkins University has proven this time and again in a number of studies which show that when two human beings connect in a compassionate way, dopamine is released. This hormone helps us calm down as well as bond with others.

The neuroscience proves what I have been teaching for 25 years; that to build solid relationships we need to give meaningful feedback to people affirming:

• That we see them
• That we hear them
• That they are important to us

Doing these simple things when interacting will make a big difference: 

• Make eye contact
• Nod your head
• Body language
• Express understanding through verbal affirmations such as, “Mmm, aha,” or statements such as, “You are not going to go through this alone. I am here for you.”

By doing a combination of the above you are showing that you are truly present, that you are interested, and that you value them. People want to matter.

Showing compassionate attention creates a sense of social support,  connection, and a feeling of being understood and accepted. This, in turn, can empower others to be able to better regulate their own emotional responses to challenging situations.

Are you a leader or manager in an organisation who wants to sharpen your ability to pay compassionate attention? This is at the core of being an authentic leader who specialises in speaking human. Book an appointment today to discuss how I can help you. Email info@nikkibush.com

It takes less than a minute to make a meaningful, compassionate connection with someone. Give the gift of compassion that keeps returning back to you because you get a dose of dopamine too! 

Have an empowered week.

Human Potential Expert