Breathe! A quick and effective way out of the stress response.

We have all experienced fear and panic and when understood can actually be our friend. When we are in the stress response it is telling us that we need to breathe. This may sound simplistic but the biological response to stress is breath as it moves us from the sympathetic nervous system which creates cortisol and prepares the body for fight or flight into the parasympathetic nervous system that douses our system with healing hormones and helps bring us back into cognitive coherence. In fight/flight we make unwise decisions and fear is not feeling in control. When we bring our attention to our breath and have the intention to breathe, we get back into control and feel confidant that we can manage what is going on in our lives. So the next time you feel you are losing control, just breathe and you will begin to feel at ease and will realize that you have the power to manage your emotions. Fear is the belief we cannot be in self-control which is not true. We can self regulate whenever we choose. Just remember....breathe!