Why You Should Enjoy This Article Like a Chocolate Bar

By Sean Tolram, Head of Mindfulness at HSBC

Imagine you’re eating a piece of your favourite chocolate. Do you rush through it, barely tasting it, or do you take a moment to truly enjoy it? Do you notice the texture as it melts on your tongue, the deep richness of the flavour, the lovely aroma? Or is it gone too quickly?

Now think about how you’re reading this article. Are you scanning while checking emails? Half-paying attention while scrolling your phone? Already thinking about the next thing on your to-do list?

Most of us consume digital content the way we devour snacks. Quickly, mindlessly, and without really experiencing it. But just like with chocolate, when we slow down and pay attention, we get so much more out of it.

The cost of mindless consumption

For most of us, we’re doing a lot of reading at work. This might include emails, reports, presentations, and other messages. Yet most of the time, we scan rather than absorb. Our brains trick us into thinking we’re processing information when in reality we’re going too fast. The result? We misinterpret messages, overlook important details, and struggle to retain key points.

This creates a cycle of inefficiency, where we need to read things multiple times or redo work because we weren’t fully present the first time. It’s like wolfing down a chocolate bar without tasting it and then reaching for another one because we didn’t feel satisfied. We’re having to do more to get the desired outcome.

A challenge for you

I invite you to read the rest of this article like you’d savour a piece of chocolate.

• Pause and take a deep breath before you continue. Go on try it right now!
• Slow down. Read each sentence with intention instead of rushing to the next one.
• Allow each insight to settle in your mind before you continue.

How this can help

When we approach reading with more presence, we save time in the long run. Instead of reading an email three times, we process it properly the first time. Instead of tuning out in meetings, we catch key details that would otherwise be lost.

Mindful reading also makes us better communicators. When we slow down and fully absorb a message, we can be more thoughtful in how we respond. This leads to clearer conversations and fewer misunderstandings.

Try this today

Read your next email like a piece of fine chocolate. Instead of scanning, take a breath, slow down, and truly take it in. See if you notice the difference.

And if this article has left you craving actual chocolate, go ahead and treat yourself. Mindfully, of course!

Join Sean at the Employee Engagement Summit on 22nd May 2025 at  Evolution London, on our Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion Stage. Get your tickets here!