02/21/2024
Our bodies are a powerful tool. Our bodies give us signals all day long: I like this, I do not like this, I am tired, I am hungry, I am cold, etc. It is your skin, your stomach, your muscles that give you information about your needs. All things we experience our physical experiences. What makes you choose what you are wearing today?
Often in therapy we discuss the difference between what you think and how you feel do not always match up. "I hate spinach, but it is so good for me."
People are powerful, and power comes from different sources. However, when we make powerful decisions between feeling and thinking and chose what works best in each situation, we may reach the goals we have for ourselves.
Here are a few examples:
Feel: I am scared to ask for help from the teacher.
Thought: If I ask for help, I will not feel so confused.
Feel: The teacher may think I am dumb
Thought: I know I am not dumb, but I still feel this way.
Feel: I am still scared.
Thought: I just need to walk up there and ask the teacher.
Feel: Heart pounding.
When we have an overwhelming feeling that contradicts our thoughts and we have assessed that our thoughts are most effective, a good way to calm the nervous system is breathing it through. It is such a simple solution, and so often overlooked.
Breathing is a tool to help you calm your nervous system and lets you increase your opportunities to be effective in what you want to do.
And let's be honest, we all breathe, all day long. No one is going to notice that you are taking some slow deep breaths:)
