Christine Comaford

Jul 22

Learning = Lifeline Ever feel stuck in a rut—even when you're doing everything “right”? That mental dullness might be your brain asking for novelty. Here’s why: when we learn something new, especially in connection with others, our brain releases dopamine—the chemical behind motivation, focus, and...Read more

Learning = Lifeline Ever feel stuck in a rut—even when you're doing everything “right”? That mental dullness might be your brain asking for novelty. Here’s why: when we learn something new, especially in connection with others, our brain releases dopamine—the chemical behind motivation, focus, and reward. Without it, we can feel bored, anxious, or disengaged. But just a little bit of shared learning can reawaken our spark. ✅ Here’s a 10-minute practice to try with your team: Spotlight a Challenge: One person shares a real challenge they’re facing. Ask, Don’t Fix: Others ask curious, clarifying questions (no advice!). Reflect Together: The group pauses to offer one insight or supportive nudge—based on what was heard, not what should be done. This activates brain regions tied to social trust, memory consolidation, and creativity. Plus, you get a built-in dose of oxytocin (the connection hormone) along the way. 👉 Learning Together PDF – Boost Motivation Through Real-World Growth: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2jn9mu7amb4j2uvfvhttg/STI-Learning-Together.jpg?rlkey=xhir7bbwfno59nu8u7tmeebgc&dl=0 #neuroscience #learningculture #brainboost #teamrituals #leadershipgrowth

Jul 18

Surrounding yourself with people who truly understand and appreciate you can enhance your mental clarity, sense of safety, and overall performance. When you feel valued and supported, your body releases oxytocin, a hormone that strengthens social bonds and promotes well-being. Higher oxytocin levels...Read more

Surrounding yourself with people who truly understand and appreciate you can enhance your mental clarity, sense of safety, and overall performance. When you feel valued and supported, your body releases oxytocin, a hormone that strengthens social bonds and promotes well-being. Higher oxytocin levels are associated with reduced stress, better health outcomes, and improved empathy, leading to more meaningful interactions. Evaluate your inner circle: do they uplift and support you? Prioritizing these relationships can significantly benefit your mental and emotional health. A supportive network nourishes both your mind and heart, empowering you to face challenges with resilience and confidence. 💛 #OxytocinEffect #ConnectionMatters #NeuroscienceOfBelonging #RelationalHealth #BeyondYourBrain

Jul 11

Feeling overwhelmed? Step outside. Time in nature lowers cortisol, reduces anxiety, and brings your nervous system back to center. Just 20 minutes in a green space can reset your mood and restore focus. Noticing birds, the breeze, the way light filters through the trees—it’s simple neuroscience, a...Read more

Feeling overwhelmed? Step outside. Time in nature lowers cortisol, reduces anxiety, and brings your nervous system back to center. Just 20 minutes in a green space can reset your mood and restore focus. Noticing birds, the breeze, the way light filters through the trees—it’s simple neuroscience, and it works. Want to make the most of it? Try this simple grounding practice: 🌿 The 5-4-3-2-1 Nature Reset Name 5 things you can see Name 4 things you can touch Name 3 things you can hear Name 2 things you can smell Name 1 thing you can taste or feel internally Let the outside world guide you back to calm. #NatureHeals #BrainReset #GroundingPractice #MicroMoments #MindBodyConnection

May 16

Resilience isn't born. It's built. And it’s built through reflection. Every time you pause to reflect on an experience — whether it’s a win, a failure, or just an ordinary moment — you help your brain reorganize and reframe the event. This strengthens your neural pathways for: 🔹 Self-awareness ...Read more

Resilience isn't born. It's built. And it’s built through reflection. Every time you pause to reflect on an experience — whether it’s a win, a failure, or just an ordinary moment — you help your brain reorganize and reframe the event. This strengthens your neural pathways for: 🔹 Self-awareness 🔹 Emotional regulation 🔹 Bouncing back after stress Neuroplasticity (your brain’s ability to rewire itself) is fueled by how often and how deeply you reflect. The more you pause and process, the more resilient you become. Some simple reflection prompts to start with: "What went well today, and why?" "What challenged me, and what did I learn from it?" "Where did I surprise myself today?" Stillness isn’t a luxury — it’s leadership training at the cellular level. #ConsciousLeadership #CreativityThroughStillness #BreakthroughMoments #LeadWithIntention #ThePowerOfThePause #MindfulLeadership

May 9

Want a real leadership edge? Pause. Your executive functions — the mental skills that help you focus, plan, regulate emotions, and adapt — live in the prefrontal cortex. And guess what strengthens them? 👉 Mindful moments of stillness. Every time you pause to sense, feel, and reflect, you’re buil...Read more

Want a real leadership edge? Pause. Your executive functions — the mental skills that help you focus, plan, regulate emotions, and adapt — live in the prefrontal cortex. And guess what strengthens them? 👉 Mindful moments of stillness. Every time you pause to sense, feel, and reflect, you’re building your brain’s ability to: 🔹 Stay calm under pressure 🔹 Shift perspective with flexibility 🔹 Hold complex information without overwhelm Leaders who constantly "do" without pausing end up making reactive, short-sighted decisions. Leaders who integrate reflection make wise, strategic moves that drive real impact. Stillness isn’t weakness — it’s a force multiplier. ✅ Start with 2 minutes between meetings. ✅ End your day with one reflective question: "What wisdom did today reveal?" In a world obsessed with speed, stillness becomes a power move. 👉 Where could you build a mindful pause into your workflow this week?