A recent publication looked at different breathing techniques, and why breathing is effective for reducing stress and gaining control. The bottom line is what we have discussed for years – focusing on the breath gets you out of your head! It is difficult to think or talk your way out of strong negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, anger, or jealousy. It is extremely hard to be rational or to not get caught up in the story when emotions have hijacked our amygdala – that part of the brain where our stress response is located.
Instead, breath. Just breath!
Any meditation practice is effective, but participants randomized to one of three programs or to a control group (no intervention) found that those assigned the “SKY Breath Meditation” experienced the greatest benefits in terms of:
– Mental health,
– Social connectedness,
– Positive emotions,
– Stress levels,
– Depression, as well as other benefits.
Research findings demonstrated that this technique had the most immediate impact on stress, mood, and conscientiousness, and these effects were even stronger when measured three months later.
We call this ‘Mind Like the Sky Meditation’ and it is a favorite! The results of mindful meditation techniques can be truly amazing! Participants in our sessions report,
- A calmer and more peaceful mind
- Greater self-awareness
- Better decision making
- Enhanced well-being
- More positive relationships
- Increased emotional intelligence
- Less reaction to stress
- Being better leaders
- Greater team collaboration
You don’t have to take our word for it! Organizations around the world have implemented mindfulness initiatives for employee well-being, safety, leadership development, and team enhancement. Please contact us if you are interested in discussing the possibilities.
Below is a link to the new research.Why Breathing Effectively Reduces Stress
Photo by Dallas Reedy on Unsplash