We are experiencing some incredible moments within the year of 2020. A global pandemic, uproar of racism, economic changes and an overall strife within humanity. It is affecting how we communicate with ourselves and with others. It is creating a constantly evolving or changing new normal that has increased stress to an unprecedented level.
This article will address where in the brain stress and arousal are located and why it is important to center ourselves. By using mindfulness techniques such as taking 3 Deep Breaths to improve our quality of life and elavating how we mentally, physically and spirtually navigate our daily experiences.
How can 3 Deep breaths be useful in these difficult COVID-19 times?
COVID-19 just stirs up all kind of stress in me. What about you?
The incessant news coverage. The dividing global narrative of what to do, how to do it or not do it.
My mind runs in circle with questions like:
How will this turn out? Will we ever go back outside? What will happen to my favorite martini spot? Will my partner and I make it through this storm of everydayness? I mean everyday!
If you want to learn a few simple tools that will help you get centered, then clickhereand book your consultationl.
Okay, what does science have to say about this.There is something called the pre-Bötzinger complex. It is a cluster of neurons located in the brainstem, kind of like a breathing pacemaker, discovered by three scientist, Jack Feldman, Mark Krasnaw and Kevin Yackle. They discovered a link between the pre-Bötzinger and the locus coerulus which affects arousal. The ties between the neurons and brainstem structures have different practical applications. Patricia Gerbarg says "by changing patterns of breathing, we can change our emotional states, how we think and how we interact with the world" (link below) on how the pranayama breath can positiviely impact anxiety and depression.
Now, we have the science, how does it affect our bodies?
When we take 3 deep breaths, it takes our body and mind out of the fight or flight response and gets us centered. From this centered space we are better able to make decisions from a calm and rational place instead of a crazy mind running away with thoughts and emotions.
Here, just for you, click on the link below and try it, a quick 3 Deep Breath meditation created just for you.
Tell me how it worked out for you.
Much love,
Vanessa
Click here to learn more tools and gain confidence in navigating your everyday life.
