Justin O'Brien

Yoga practitioners and others have realized the immense physiological and cognitive benefits of breathing techniques for a long time. Science has caught up with this fact and can prove that it actually works. Neurologists and cardiologists not only recognize the benefits but they also now prescribe that when doing these exercises we should breathe through our heart  whilst focusing on a positive thought or experience.  We know that focused, even and rhythmical breathing (about 5.8 breathes per minute) creates cardiac coherence which gives us a smooth heart beat resulting in clarity of thought.  But what some of you may not know is that

“more recently, it was discovered that the heart also secretes oxytocin, commonly referred to as the ‘love’ or bonding hormone. In addition to its functions in childbirth and lactation, recent evidence indicates that this hormone is also involved in cognition, tolerance, adaptation, complex sexual and maternal behaviours, learning social cues and the establishment of enduring pair bonds. Concentrations of oxytocin in the heart were found to be as high as those found in the brain”. Royal College of Psychiatrists 

So by focusing on a positive thought or great experience we can extend the physiological and cognitive benefits of breathing by the release of oxytocin as well as dopamine and noradrenaline to name but a few.

This doesn’t mean we become super chilled out and relaxed, but present, focused and sharp as a tack!

Have a look at this post to get some ideas on how to think positively.

Five brain shifts to become happier this winter, plus a few diet tips for improving your mood | National Post.

We already use all of our brain – it’s just that some parts are only in first gear.  In order to get  into top gear we need to create more pathways more connections – this is neuroplasticity. Our brains tend to be quite lazy and will conserve energy by replicating the the way we do things – habits in other words.  Sometimes these work against us and sometime for us.  But to really stretch our brains to be more creative and alert we can do some  simple things. Here are three:

• Sip water – all day.  Don’t guzzle, just sip. Hydrating the brain is like putting oil in the car.
• Just do things differently. eat with your fork in wrong hand, drive or ride to work a different way or learn a new game like chess.  Continue to do things differently.
• Learn to meditate. Try different types until you find the one that works for you. You might try
  • Guided meditation – Guided Meditation by Don Macpherson
  • White light meditation – How to Meditate in Ten Steps by D.F. Bailey
  • Binaural meditation – Ambistress by Dr Jane Maati Smith

Here’s an article from Sharp Brains for some further reading

BrainTech: Six Take-aways on Neuroplasticity and Cognitive training