Heart Coherence
Stress is not “just” some benign complaint. Rather it’s a powerful risk factor for disease and an important predictor of health. According to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, (Cohen, Janicki-Deverts, and Miller 2007 ). I think many of us would agree with the science of Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). The current research relates how the mind/body inter act and its effect on health and overall wellness. According to Rolin McCarthy PHD Director of Research at Institute of Heart Math when we access out intuitive intelligence and bring our cognitive and emotional system in to coherence we bring our heart into a state of alignment which creates heart coherence. Why is this so important? Our emotions are reflected in our heart rhythm patterns. For example when we are frustrated our heart rhythm patterns become erratic and if we are in an emotional state of appreciation our heart rhythm becomes coherent . The more coherent our heart rhythm pattern is the clearer our thought and access to our intuition as well as a decrease in our stress response. One of the easiest and efficient ways to create a relaxation response and bring the heart into a coherent pattern is the following technique:
Become aware of the heart area
Breathe into the heart area by taking slow breaths in and out for a few minutes
Focus a word such as Patience or Calm
Continue to feel that emotion in your heart area while breathing in and out.
After a short period of time you will begin to feel your stress level decrease as you lower your cortisol and adrenaline levels. This simple technique can be used at your desk at work or anywhere you may need to de stress. No one will even know you are doing this as it’s an internal technique. Practicing in the morning before you start your day would be an excellent way to approach any responsibilities and tasks of the day. I use this technique very often and it not only calms me but also creates a new perspective on a situation or emotion that I may have been unable to see and release. There are many different techniques that you can review at Heartmath.com. They have free resources such as an e booklet you can download on Applied Appreciation. These techniques are easy to learn and incorporate into your daily life. Want to take it up a notch? I invite you to have a complimentary 30 minute Discovery Session with me and find more ways to lower your stress level and enhance your overall well being. Contact: Fran@franmedinacoaching.com P.S. - The holidays are around the corner find out how you may decrease your Stress and increase your Joy. In Love and Support, Fran
