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Stress hits hard.
And sometimes, out of nowhere.

But here’s something powerful – 

Most emotional reactions last only 90 seconds.

That’s it.
Just 1.5 minutes.
Unless… we keep fuelling them.

The 90-second rule, popularized by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, is simple:

→ When a stressful emotion arises, pause.
→ Don’t act. Don’t speak. Just breathe.
→ Let the emotion surge, peak, and pass.

What happens next?

You reclaim your power.
You respond – not react.

Here’s how to apply it in leadership moments:

→ A colleague pushes back in a meeting?
Pause. Count to 90. Let the emotion settle.

→ A team member makes a costly error?
Step away. Breathe. Come back with clarity.

→ You’re overwhelmed with decisions?
Take 90 seconds of stillness. Let the fog lift.

This isn’t about ignoring stress.
It’s about processing it – consciously.

The truth is – most regrets come from reacting too quickly.

But calm leadership isn’t accidental.

It’s practiced.

90 seconds may not solve the issue.

But it shifts your state.

And that’s where better choices begin.

Try it today.

The next time stress shows up, try not to fix it immediately.
Just stay with it.
Breathe.
Watch the wave pass.

Because in leadership, how you show up in tough moments defines you more than the moment itself.

High-stress. High-stakes.

You still have a choice.

It starts with 90 seconds.

Have you ever used the 90-second rule – consciously or unknowingly?

Share your experience.

Let’s learn from each other.

-Vandana