It’s amazing to me the amount of research that is now being done
on the connection between body, mind and emotions.
The connection is indisputable. Many medical doctors and scientists
have embraced it and try to leverage it in their treatment of
patients.
Tuning in to this connection can help you enhance your health,
overcome specific illness — and help you improve the way you go
through life.
In particular, a lot of research has been done in the area of
managing stress. Herbert Benson, M.D., of Harvard Medical School,
popularized this area with his book, “The Relaxation Response”.
He and his team proved the effects that relaxation techniques,
including deep breathing, meditation and a positive outlook,
can have on patient outcomes and health.
Subsequently, Dr. Benson performed follow-up research that lead
to his book, “The Breakout Principle”. Here, he demonstrated how
the same principles and techniques can help each of us relax and
think more clearly as we handle the stresses and challenges of
each day. This, in turn, can help us perform at a higher level
and get into the “flow” of whatever activity we are doing.
You recognize the flow when it happens — although you are not
aware you are in it until afterwards.
Have you ever spent hours immersed in some activity, only to look
up at the clock and be surprised at how much time has passed? You
were experiencing the flow.
Sometimes it’s difficult to get into the flow. If you have a
gazillion things going on, or are pressed for time, you may feel
blocked. You may be unable to relax sufficiently. Or you may be
draining your own energy by allowing negative thoughts or emotions
to take roost in your brain.
These feelings can be especially cumbersome when you are at work,
perhaps facing a stressful meeting, discussion or situation. Or,
maybe you are having trouble getting your kids to comply with
a request.
No matter what the situation, to “unblock” yourself and handle
the stress of the moment, I recommend you try a technique called
“Attitude Breathing”.
This specific technique was developed by the Institute of Heart
Math, which studies body-mind-emotional connections.
It’s easy to do.
(1) Focus on a person or situation for which you are really
grateful. Cultivate a feeling of gratitude as you slowly relax
and soften your breathing.
(2) Next, shift your attention to your heart and solar plexus
area. Acknowledge what you are feeling. Ask yourself which
feeling or attitude you could substitute that would be more
constructive in the current situation.
For example, you might tell yourself to “stay calm”, “stay
neutral”, “get all the facts before I go off”, etc.
(3) Pretend to feel and breathe this new, more constructive
attitude in through your heart. Breathe it out through your
solar plexus and stomach to “anchor” it. Continue to breathe in
this way until you feel like the new attitude has settled in to
your solar plexus and heart.
This simple but powerful technique helps you anchor your inner
power and calm, and bring your thoughts and emotions back into
balance.
It’s great to do first thing in the morning, or any time you
are feeling stressed, anxious, or overly emotional.
You Can Do It!
Karen
www.BestBreathingExercises.com
P.S. If you have an interest in discovering even more highly
effective breathing and visualization techniques, consider
the Secret Power of Dynamic Energy Exercise Course, Volume 1:
Invigorate & Rejuvenate. In the course, I guide you through
breathing exercises which help you instantly relax and tranform
stress…and have you feeling in control within minutes. claim
your copy today at the Best Breathing Exercises website.
Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2011