The Benefits of Keeping a Cool Head

In my leadership development work, I meet many managers who are suffering from too much pressure in their lives and are unsure about what they can do to relieve the pressure. When I suggest a simple form of meditation or related form of relaxation, I am often met with scepticism or quizzical looks. It’s as if they are waiting for the sales pitch for some sect or other organisation. Such practices run the danger of being labelled “esoteric”. Therefore, I was delighted a while ago to come across an article Mind over Matter in the Guardian that covers an excellent book by Dr Shanida Nataraja reporting on the neuroscience of meditation. Her findings show the beneficial effects of meditation on stress levels, heart rate and thinking capacity.