THE 30 SECOND MINDFULNESS
PRACTICE THAT WILL CHANGE
YOUR LIFE
Mindfulness practice has been gaining steam as a popular school
routine, as many studies show that it can not only improve
concentration, but also attendance, behavior, memory and overall
well-being in our children.It seems that being presently aware comes
more easily to children than adults, as well.
routine, as many studies show that it can not only improve
concentration, but also attendance, behavior, memory and overall
well-being in our children.It seems that being presently aware comes
more easily to children than adults, as well.
The easiest technique often first introduced to children has a basis
in physiology. They are taught about the amygdala, a small area of
our mid brain responsible for sensing when we experience stress.
in physiology. They are taught about the amygdala, a small area of
our mid brain responsible for sensing when we experience stress.
It responds appropriately with the all-important ‘fight or flight’ response
to stressful situations.
to stressful situations.
This evolutionary adaptation was probably originally utilized mainly
in life or death situations, however the amygdala does not differentiate
between an argument, a stressful test, or being chased by a predator.
What it knows is a feeling of danger, and reacts by blocking the prefrontal
cortex, responsible for thinking logically.
in life or death situations, however the amygdala does not differentiate
between an argument, a stressful test, or being chased by a predator.
What it knows is a feeling of danger, and reacts by blocking the prefrontal
cortex, responsible for thinking logically.
However, we do not live in a world where we are chased by predators
(usually), so when we experience stress, we typically want more options
than fight or flight.
(usually), so when we experience stress, we typically want more options
than fight or flight.
So, what mindfulness tool can we employ to regain access to the higher
reasoning prefrontal cortex that our amygdala so efficiently blocks
(for your safety, of course) when we get stressed out?
reasoning prefrontal cortex that our amygdala so efficiently blocks
(for your safety, of course) when we get stressed out?
It’s simple: breathe.
When you breathe deeply, your brain is flooded with oxygen. this signals
to your amygdala that it’s safe to calm down. Whenever you experience
stress, the simplest way to diffuse that is to stop what you’re doing and
take several deep breaths with slow exhales.
to your amygdala that it’s safe to calm down. Whenever you experience
stress, the simplest way to diffuse that is to stop what you’re doing and
take several deep breaths with slow exhales.
It’s obvious that this diffuses stress to anyone mindful enough to employ
this simple tactic. Do yourself a favor: the next time you experience the
racing heart and rising blood pressure that are the hallmarks of stress,
remember your little amygdala, and breathe.
It could change your life!
this simple tactic. Do yourself a favor: the next time you experience the
racing heart and rising blood pressure that are the hallmarks of stress,
remember your little amygdala, and breathe.
It could change your life!
source and courtesy: thespiritscience.net
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