Heart and Happiness
In the pursuit of happiness and well-being, I'm excited to share a little gift with you! 🌟 Here's a PDF guide to kickstart the stimulation of your "Calming" nervous system through a simple yet powerful technique – Breath meditation.
Now let’s dive in:
Happiness. 🌟 Reflect for a moment – what defines happiness for you right now, in this very moment?
For some, it might be a simple acknowledgment or appreciation, while others may associate happiness with material gains like a new car, a job, or a change in surroundings. Meeting project deadlines, completed tasks, or simply spending time with loved ones could also be sources of relief. The list is endless. However, here's the catch – even if all these wishes were fulfilled, would it guarantee everlasting happiness? Not really.
Let's pause; this isn't a philosophical discussion but a scientific exploration of our internal health.
Our autonomic nervous system comprises two components: the "Fight & Flight" (Sympathetic) and the "Calming" (Parasympathetic) systems. We are equipped with hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that cater to the "Fight and Flight" response. Unfortunately, our parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for calming, often takes a backseat in today's fast-paced world. We find ourselves caught in the single dimension of life – the fight-and-flight state. As you kickstart your day, your phone buzzes with notifications, alarms, and reminders of meetings, adding to the hustle. Rushing to prepare, and drop off the kids, thoughts about work, assignments, and classes flood your mind. Coffee becomes a quick on-the-go fix, breakfast is skipped, and packing lunch or snacks becomes an afterthought. Beyond your doorstep lies a world full of triggers, constantly activating your sympathetic nervous system—the primal "fight or flight" response.
Prolonged periods of this state can manifest in a range of symptoms, including rapid heart rate, sweating, heightened anxiety, frustration, emotional distress, the potential for violence, disrupted sleep, persistent worry, headaches, AND DISEASES = LIFESTYLE DISEASES. But, do we have to live this way?
Consider this – Can we, as individuals, use the inventions meant for our convenience without becoming enslaved by them?
Bingo! This is your first step towards happiness. Take charge of your routine, make intentional choices, and work towards optimizing your daily life. 🚀
DID YOU KNOW: Longer exhales stimulate the Vagus nerve, a key player in promoting relaxation and balance. We as physicians use vagal maneuvers as a first-choice option for certain people whose heart rate is too fast.
(Please note: this is specific to certain kinds of tachycardia, and only performed under physician supervision).
Bottom line: We possess just one heart. Therefore, let's nurture and safeguard it. Stay tuned for upcoming information on screening tests, heart disease risk calculators, and more.
Incorporating breath meditation or breathwork practice into your routine can enhance your resilience, mindfulness, and overall calmness, especially during those stressful moments. The benefits extend beyond tranquility – improved performance and a heightened ability to face challenges with grace.
Wishing you peaceful moments and a journey to a calmer, more mindful you. 🧘♀️