Hello its’ Barb Earle, Neurotransformational coach and Health and Well-Being expert on a mission to help you get to know your brain better and why it matters.
On any given day we experience multiple sensations, from a racing, erratic heartbeat to a sense of calm and relaxation. By understanding how this happens we can manage the less desired ones and enhance the ones that give us joy and fulfilment.
One of the best solutions in managing the turbulent sensations is a deceptively simple process called mindful breathing.
Deliberate long, slow and deep inhales combined with longer exhales counteracts these sensations.
Here’s why.
The vagus nerve connects to our brainstem, heart, digestive tract and other organs. This long nerve is responsible for scanning the environment and sending signals up to the brain. Because its automatic we can sense danger even before our brain registers it. We can immediately slam the brakes on to avoid an accident. It’s is also in charge of creating a sense of relaxation and peace.
While it’s healthy to immediately respond to danger, we sometimes respond the same way to stress. It doesn’t need to be so intense.
When you realize your heart is racing from a perceived, non-life-threatening danger:
STOP.
Notice what your body is telling you.
Start breathing slow and long.
By doing this you readjust the reaction of the vagus nerve and the signal travelling to your brain is one of and calm and ease.
Therein, lies the magic solution of breath and the talent of the vagus nerve.
Perhaps not as easy as it sounds but it’s definitely worth making this a habit and brings control back to you. Let the joy and fulfilment begin.
Until we meet in Person.
Brain to Brain.
Heart to Heart.
Ciao!
Barb Earle
This has been a Brilliant Brain•Bold Body Moment.