by Matt PrindleToday, let's practice responding to triggered reactive states with a deep, nourishing breath.
Yesterday, we practiced noticing when we get triggered into a reactive fight, flight, or freeze state of being. In noticing, we gain perspective on our thoughts and feelings in a way that gives us the power to respond in kind.
SCIENCE SHOWS
An inspired way to spaciously and healthfully respond to the challenges our adventures will surface is to breathe deeper and make our exhales longer than our inhales.
🤓 Big exhales release chemicals into the bloodstream that immediately helps us focus calmly on the task at hand.
💖 Deep breathing with longer exhalation engages the vagus nerve, increases heart rate variability, and improves decision-making.
🧠 Slowed and longer exhalations have beneficial effects on mental health and cognition in stress-related conditions and performance.
😌 Sighs (“ahhhhh”) are psychological and physiological resetters that reduce anxiety and tension.
INSPIRED ACTION
By intentionally making our exhales longer than our inhales, our nervous system naturally calms down.
Enter, The 4-6 Breathing Technique
Inhale to a count of four and exhale to a count of six.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
What helps you notice shortness of breath?
We'd love to hear in the comments?
