What This Tip Does
When emotions rise or conversations get fast, your mouth often moves faster than your mind.
This tip inserts a single breath between what you feel and what you say.
That micro-gap resets your clarity, calms your tone, and prevents reactions you’ll regret.
How to Do It
- Notice the urge to respond quickly.
- Inhale slowly through the nose.
- Let the breath fill your chest without forcing it.
- Exhale gently.
- Only then speak.
Why It Works
- It interrupts emotional momentum.
- It gives your brain 2–3 seconds to shift from reaction to intention.
- Tone softens.
- Clarity improves.
- Conflicts reduce dramatically.
When to Use It
- When someone surprises you with a comment
- When you feel irritation or defensiveness
- When you’re about to say too much
- During difficult conversations or negotiations
- When you need your words to be calmer, clearer, smarter
In Other Words…
Take one slow breath before you answer. It gives your mind a moment to settle so you don’t react too fast. You speak better when you pause.
Follow-up:
For calmer expression, continue with TIP-040 – Exhale to Speak Calmly.