I’ve said before that focus is your secret weapon.
For example, I’ll often do a quick meditation before an important meeting. When my mind is clear, with no distractions, I’m able to fully listen and absorb everything.
This immediately relaxes the other parties, and lets them know that you care. It’s been said that 90% of all communication is nonverbal. You’ve got to show people that you’re paying attention.
But you don’t just get to use focus whenever you need it, without practice.
They key to being able to focus when needed is practicing focus when it’s not urgently needed.
Similarly, the key to any spiritual practice is regularity.
And if you’re looking for long-term health benefits, bingo – those come from daily practice, no ‘whenever you’re feeling stressed’.
Make a few minutes every day for this. Even just 1 or 2 minutes to start.
It’s more important than your ego.