Fun Fact:
“Your brain uses more oxygen than the large muscles of your body
(skeletal muscles) put together.”
Feel free to save that one for the Pub Quiz.
And if you want to do some important thinking that could change the course of your life, you’d agree that thinking clearly is important, right?
By default, that’s going to need some pretty darned good breathing.
So let’s use today to get some fantastic oxygen to the brain.
The more you practice this, the more it will be the natural way you do things.
But of course, you know how to breathe?
Well, you certainly did when you were born.
Babies are born breathing beautifully.
Using their diaphragm, as they breathe down into their belly.
No thought required.
As we get older, and tensions and worries take over, we can start breathing in a way that our chest rises and falls instead.
Children can pick this up from their parents.
If we’re stressed it can be shallower, and that physiological: body/mind loop – makes us feel anxious.
Breathing then gets shallower and our brain gets less oxygen.
We literally forget how to breathe.
Check in with your Current Breath:
Put one hand on your belly button and the other on your chest.
Breathe normally.
Don’t try to change it – just see what’s going on.
If you feel your top hand moving more than the bottom – you mainly chest breathe.
If it’s the bottom, you mainly belly breathe.
If it’s a bit of both… it’s a bit of both.
Let’s practice and try to make things even better.
Breathing tips:
- Breathe mainly from your nose
- Sit upright – feet flat on the floor, chin slightly tucked,
- Lengthen your spine by sitting straight in your chair.
- Breathe consciously by sending your awareness on your breath.
- Breathe slowly, extending the length of the inhale & exhale.
- Breathe steadily at a rhythmic pace.
- Count your inhales and exhales.
- Breathe quietly: not forcing the air in or out.
- Breathe deeply by placing your awareness on your lower belly.
- Allow the air to release on the exhale; don’t force it.
- Keep your tongue gently touching the top of your palate.
And what’s any of that got to do with values?
Fair Question.
If you’re thinking clearly you’re going to come up with better answers.
If you’re feeling anxious – your ideas will be limited.
I want you to practice breathing and clearing your mind, to make way for new ideas and opportunities.
Flood your brain with oxygen so it can do amazing things.
If your mind wanders – just bring your attention back to your breath.
Your conscious mind is full of the ‘putting the brakes on’ and reasons why not.
Give it a break to make way for the creativity of five-year-old you.
(And if that feels scary just use it to feel more energised and calm.)
Question
Set a timer, and practice some great-quality, purposeful breathing for 5 minutes.
Make a note of how you felt; before, during and after the 5 minutes.