The Neuroscience of the Chair of JOY® Experience: Activating Brain Power through Intentional Pause

By Sheryl Lynn

In the world of leadership, we often talk about high performance, strategic decision-making, and emotional regulation. Yet, the greatest asset to any leader lies just beneath the surface: the ability to intentionally shift internal state—on command.

This is where the Chair of JOY® Experience comes in.

Rooted in neuroscience and human performance, this 2-minute process activates a cascade of brain functions that reset the nervous system, elevate clarity, and create conditions for executive-level performance. It’s more than mindfulness—it’s a structured reset that activates JOY Intelligence™ (JQ).

While meditation is widely recommended for stress reduction and mental clarity, only about 18% of adults in the U.S. report practicing it regularly. For many, the concept feels intimidating, time-consuming, or unclear. The Chair of JOY® Experience was designed to remove those barriers—offering a simple, science-backed method that delivers similar neurological benefits in just two minutes, without the need for silence, perfection, or long sessions.

Let’s break it down:

  1. SitInitiates stillness, safety, and spatial awareness.
    By pausing physical movement and grounding the body, this step signals to the brain that it's safe to shift out of fight-or-flight. The parasympathetic nervous system activates, creating a sense of calm presence and opening the door for creativity and deeper awareness.

  2. BreatheRegulates the nervous system and restores coherence.
    Intentional breathing (4 seconds in, 4 seconds out) lowers cortisol, increases heart rate variability (HRV), and supports brain-heart coherence—a physiological state that improves focus, composure, and emotional regulation.

  3. ThinkAccesses positive neural pathways with intention.
    Recalling a moment of genuine joy or appreciation activates the prefrontal cortex, quiets the amygdala (the brain’s fear center), and re-engages the neural networks responsible for memory, strategic thinking, and innovation. This shift brings us into the present moment with clarity and confidence.

  4. FeelAnchors safety and presence in the body. Allowing the body to fully feel the joy—whether through warmth, ease, or goosebumps—cements the emotional imprint and reinforces the brain’s ability to return to this state in future moments of stress. This practice rewires default responses, cultivating resilience and emotional steadiness over time.

Functional brain imaging shows notable differences in activity pre- and post-mindful practices like the Chair of JOY®. Key changes include:

  • Increased blood flow to the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making, focus, and empathy)

  • Decreased activity in the amygdala (the center of fear and reactivity)

  • Elevated presence of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which supports learning and cognitive growth

  • Enhanced synchronization between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, supporting more integrative thinking

In practical terms: leaders experience less reactivity, better memory recall, improved clarity, and more creative problem-solving after just a few minutes of engaging in Sit. Breathe. Think. Feel.™

Why It Matters in a Leadership Culture

Today’s leaders are managing change, complexity, and constant noise. The Chair of JOY® Experience gives them a repeatable, measurable reset tool that:

  • Requires no special equipment or space

  • Can be used before critical conversations, meetings, or decisions

  • Builds neuro-emotional resilience over time

Supports high-performance culture through self-awareness and presence

It’s not a wellness break it’s a leadership advantage.

The Chair of JOY® Experience offers a direct path to clarity, presence, and grounded decision-making when it matters most.

Sit. Breathe. Think. Feel.™ is a neuroscience-based approach to activating JOY Intelligence™ (JQ)—a tool that meets leaders where they are, in real time.

While traditional meditation practices often feel out of reach, this process provides a practical, accessible alternative. It can be used anytime, anywhere—in just two minutes.

IMPACT STORY: One executive shared how, just moments before a high-stakes boardroom meeting, she paused, closed her eyes, and moved through the four steps. Her mind cleared. Her confidence rose. She walked in ready—not just prepared, but fully present.

The simplicity of the COJ experience continues to prove itself—quietly, consistently, and with lasting impact.

Contact us today to bring JOY Intelligence™ to your team

About JOYELY®

JOYELY® transforms workplace culture with digital emotional processing tools and data-driven technology, empowering engaged, resilient, and high-performing teams. Dedicated to elevating global well-being, JOYELY® makes joy a core life skill through experiences like the Chair of JOY®, JOY Intelligence™ Emotions Map, and the Four Stages of Presence. Inspiring individuals and organizations to access clarity, resilience, and purpose, JOYELY® is available for conferences, keynotes, event showcases, interactive programs, and fundraising—creating an undeniable conversation for all.