SALISBURY — Everyone could probably use some techniques or tips to reduce stress. A recent visit from a mindfulness expert offered those tips and more to attendees at the Rowan County Chamber Power In Partnership breakfast.

Tara Nylese is the best-selling author of Mindfulness in Everyday Life, which earned top recognition in Amazon’s Business Health & Stress category and in Work-Life Balance. She founded the Ten Minute Mindfulness Program as a short and straightforward method to improve mental and emotional well-being in personal and professional lives.

She began her discussion on Dec. 14 at Trinity Oaks with an object in her hand — an empty jar. At least it appeared empty for anyone sitting in the audience. Nylese shortly revealed that the jar actually contained the secret to a sounder mind.

“We don’t have any enhancement pills in here,” Nylese said. “What is in the jar helps you improve your physical body, improves circulation and redirects the blood flow into your brain and your body.”

Nylese removed the lid, answering her own question about what the jar held — air, the basic element of breathing that everyone must do. It is an act so routine in daily life that most take it for granted, and until they are forced to go without it, they might not even realize they are doing it.

But Nylese explained that at its core, air can be the key to obtaining a healthy level of mindfulness.

“Most importantly, what it can do is help reduce the stress hormone level in our bodies,” Nylese said. “This is really important because when we have unmanaged stress in our bodies over time, we end up having a whole host of problems chronically like increased heart rate, high blood pressure, inflammation and weight management issues. There are a lot of detriments to unmanaged stress.”

As a career-long scientist in large corporations, a lecturer and a trainer, Nylese takes a scientific approach to workplace wellness with empowerment training for results-driven organizational success. Through her techniques, mindfulness can be increased, leading to more successful and productive work performance and stability in life.

During her discussion, Nylese encouraged everyone to close their eyes and to really think about the breaths they were taking, while considering how various parts of their bodies received breaths.

Expanding on her techniques, Nylese went in-depth on how breathing impacts the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that counterbalances the action of the sympathetic nerves. It consists of nerves arising from the brain and the lower end of the spinal cord and supplying the internal organs, blood vessels and glands.

According to Nylese, all it takes to unlock that mindfulness is 10 minutes per day. Her guide is featured in her book, which Amazon.com describes as a “practical guide that offers a powerful approach to reducing stress and increasing well-being. With simple exercises and techniques that can be tailored to your unique circumstances, you’ll learn how to cultivate inner peace and navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.”

Guests at the PIP breakfast got a jump start on Nylese’s guide. It was simple the latest impactful speaker featured at the monthly chamber event. The breakfasts will resume in the new year.

The dates for the rest of the PIP season are Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 21, April 18 and May 16. The chamber’s Power Card will once again be offered to those who would like to take advantage of the PIP frequent attendee program. Power Card holders receive a discounted price for the series and do not have to make a reservation each month.

The chamber’s breakfast programs average more than 120 attendees each month. Sponsors will have exclusive marketing rights to the banquet room and provide a five-minute sponsor profile on their company.

Partner agencies will share updates with the local business leaders and address issues of concern for the entire region. The Leadership Rowan Class will start their day at the breakfast and then venture out for each day’s session focused on a different aspect of the community.