Hey there, welcome to Mindful at Work. I'm so glad you've carved out this moment for yourself today. I know the start of February can sometimes feel like a long stretch - we're past the initial New Year's momentum, but spring still feels far away. Maybe you're feeling a bit stuck, wrestling with focus and momentum in your workday.

Let's take a breath together and shift that energy.

Close your eyes if you feel comfortable. Take a deep breath in through your nose, letting your chest and belly expand like a gentle balloon. And then slowly exhale, releasing any tension you're carrying. Feel the weight of your body softening into your chair, your feet grounded.

Imagine your attention is like a curious, playful cat - sometimes darting around, sometimes lounging. Today, we're going to practice gently guiding that cat back to a peaceful spot whenever it wanders.

Right now, bring your awareness to your breath. Not changing it, just observing. Notice the cool air entering your nostrils, the slight warmth as you exhale. Each breath is like a tiny reset button for your nervous system.

When you notice your mind drifting - and it will, that's totally normal - imagine those thoughts are clouds passing across a big, open sky. You're not trying to stop the clouds, just watching them move through without getting tangled up in them.

Let's do a quick productivity reset. Count five intentional breaths. On the first breath, release any lingering stress from earlier. Second breath, let go of expectations. Third breath, create some inner spaciousness. Fourth breath, reconnect with your core purpose. Fifth breath, invite in fresh focus and creativity.

As you open your eyes, set a simple intention. Maybe it's approaching your next task with curiosity, or giving yourself permission to work with ease. Your mind is powerful, but it doesn't have to be perfect.

Thanks for practicing with me today. If this resonated, please subscribe and share Mindful at Work with someone who might need a moment of calm. Until next time, breathe easy.