06/01/2023
Stress can be a consistent undercurrent, or come completely out of left field. A rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, tight muscles, and nausea are all common responses, and the causes and triggers can differ greatly from person to person (or even situation to situation). These responses are reactions to a perceived threat, and can occur at seemingly random times (being late for an important appointment, or a call from your boss or example). However, if there is no actual threat or danger, it’s helpful to know how to get your body out of this heightened state of panic and back to a calm regulated state.
It's easier than you’d think.
Recognizing this state of stress is the first step. Taking action is next. The easiest thing you can do is to slow your breathing down. Taking deep breaths where your inhale is shorter than your exhale is calming and will help regulate your nervous system (more on the nervous system, “fight or flight”, and the vagus nerve in upcoming posts).
Try it for 5 minutes - breathe in for 2, and out for 4 – and tell us how you feel.
