Emotional states can be contagious. Especially when working in a supportive or caregiving role, we often become the emotional thermostat in the room.
If we enter a situation rushed and tense, others feel it. If we enter calmly and steadily, others feel that too.
This doesn’t mean we ignore our feelings. It means we take an intentional pause before responding.
Before walking into a room or responding to a challenging or stressful situation, try this:
- Relax your shoulders.
- Slow your breathing. Take a deep, slow breath and exhale slowly
- Lower your voice slightly, and if you tend to talk quickly, slow your speech.
- Move a little slower.
Calm is contagious.
So is tension.
We cannot control every situation, but we can influence the tone. That influence is powerful.
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