Just Breathe

Every moment is an opportunity to come to awareness. By far the easiest way to do this is to focus on your breathing. While breathing is part of the Autonomic Nervous System, (ANS) we have the ability to purposely, mindfully, take control of this function. The benefits can be enormous. Here is a short article by UCI that covers the basics. (you can find countless articles on-line to fit your level of interest)

http://www.healtheducation.uci.edu/stress/breath.aspx

You nervous system is divided into three parts: the sympathetic--parasympathetic--and the enteric (which regulates your gastrointestinal system and isn't going to play any further part). The SNS (sympathetic nervous system) is the "flight or fight" aspect of the system while the parasympathetic
(PNS) regulates the "rest and digest" response. If you are like most people these days, you have been unconsciously victimized by your SNS while paying little, to no attention, of your ability to actively engage your PNS. View the world at large to come to your own conclusion as to how this is working out. (know also that VOLUMES have been written on this subject and I am giving you the briefest overview)

Activating the SNS releases stress hormones (epinephrine and cortisol) into your blood stream. In dire situations, or where passion is needed, these hormones are wonderful. Reacting to routine daily occurrences that are minor (road rage--personal slight--long wait in line) in a similar fashion (with fear, anger, anxiety, or even saying "no;" see linked Psychology Today article in yesterdays post) sends these hormones coursing through your body. This causes a lower production of dopamine and serotonin. Over extended periods of time this is extremely detrimental to your well being.

Finding yourself angry is a gift. It immediately informs you that something is amiss. How do you react? Is it life-threatening? Or has somebody pissed you off? If you are simply pissed off, don't compound the situation by doing damage to yourself! Calm yourself through controlled breathing. Here's how: first, give the offending party "Godzilla Atomic Breath." Purse you lips and blow out, all the while imaging you are Godzilla destroying Tokyo. Really empty your diaphragm. Incinerate the offending party. Incinerate their ashes! Now, take a normal breath. Next, clench your butt cheeks and take a normal breath. Third, trace the outside of your lips with your index finger while taking a long slow breath through your nose. Hold for a count of two. Exhale through your mouth. Last, think of the one person in the whole world you care for most. That's it! You're back on good footing. (I won't bore you with all the scientific explanations for what we just did--you either trust me or you don't)

Responding to negative situations with controlled breathing is your "go to guy." It is your "trump card." It is your "solution that never fails." Try it and see.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAlWxZK-ps4