Before you respond, take a deep breath. Before you conclude, take a deep breath. Before you get out of bed, take a deep breath.

That deep breath makes you pause. It gives your incredible mind a chance to process. It also gives your brain a dose of oxygen to function well.

Some situations require quick reactions. But many day-to-day experiences can be delayed a mere three seconds so that you can take a deep breath and respond from a place of better clarity.

Try it. Next time you’re about to pounce, pause for one deep breath before you speak or act.