Stress management - How a quick and simple exercise saved me
from being driven to destruction by roa
Everything happened so quickly, a huge object swept past my
peripheral vision. Next I heard the sound of ripping metal.
'What the...' I was shouting at the top of my voice, as the
realization dawned on me and I banged on the steering wheel in
anger.
I regained my composure and saw that the car had slowed down and
has stopped at the side of the road.
I got out and very well know that I could explode and things
would turn ugly.
You see, I was involved in an auto incident 5 years ago, and I
emerged with a baseball bat to confront the owner of the other
car, luckily he sped off before I had the time to do some damage.
This time, I told myself that I had to cool down. Instantly, I
began doing the special breathing exercise that I had learnt.
When the other driver got off and I was walking towards her, I
knew that everything would be under control. I could feel my
anger disappearing and my heartbeat returning to normal.
You see, I had been practicing various methods of stress
management, and felt that the quality of my life does seem to
improve and I seem to have most things under control. But this
incident is the ultimate litmus test. It would be the event that
lends testimony to the effectiveness of my years of practice.
I'm glad to say that everything went fine and we managed to end
our exchange in a civilized manner.
So what have I been practicing that has such a profound effect
on controlling stress?
I have studied and practiced numerous methods and areas
including: Progressive muscle relaxation, Aromatherapy oil,
Power of positive thinking, Positive affirmation, Creative
visualization, Meditation technique, Breathing exercise,
Relaxation exercise and Relaxation music. I have also explored
the concept of brain wave and its relation to stress including:
Alpha brain wave, Binaural beat, Silva Mind Control and Stress
Hypnosis.
However, I'm going to talk about the 'special breathing' method
that had enabled me to keep my cool in almost an instant. You
could also use this method to help you in times when you need to
keep the pressure down, and in a hurry!
Learning to breathe properly is actually essential for stress
control, as it aids in relaxing your body and mind. In fact,
specific breathing methods are employed together with meditation
to bring about a relaxed state of mind.
Try this exercise NOW.
Take a deep breath now.
Watch where the air goes.
See your chest expanding as you inhale and compressing during
your exhale?
Good.
Let me tell you something.
You are breathing INCORRECTLY!
You must be thinking, 'What's wrong? Don't everyone breathe this
way?'
Yes, most people breathe that way, and they are all wrong.
Now, why do we breathe this way?
Look at how a baby or animal breathes. You will notice that
instead of the chest expanding, their stomach expands.
This is Abdominal breathing and it is the proper way to breathe,
it is not taught, but naturally and instinctively observed by
babies and animals.
We all used to breathe like that when we were young, but then we
grew up, go through life experiencing stress, anxiety, fear,
anger and tension. When that happens, our breathing quickens. To
enable us to breath faster, our body learns to stop our breath
at the chest level. Very soon we will automatically breathe to
the chest without realizing this change in habit.
To learn abdominal breathing, begin by noticing your normal
breathing, which should be quick and shallow.
Consciously slow down your breath and begin to breathe down,
expanding your lower abdomen.
Then slowly exhale and consciously pull in your abdominal while
forcing out all the air.
Do this for a minute or two each time, and do several sessions
throughout the day.
Do this diligently, and in no time, your body will take over and
you will eventually be doing abdominal breathing without
realizing it.
You will begin to find that you are calmer, not easily ruffled
and also have a lot more energy to see yourself through the day.
After you are sufficiently proficient in abdominal breathing,
you would have built a solid base to reap the benefits of
Meditation.
I'll talk to you soon.