Ventilate

Breathe. I say this to anyone I meet who is under stress. Breathe. It is easy to tighten the body under stress. It is a low-grade extension of the fight-flight hormonal system, which can get stuck in the 'on' position in an anxiety situation or under chronic anxiety. The body is tensed. Muscles use more energy, even at rest. Lactic acid builds. The body functions inefficiently. The mind suffers, is distracted and lacks clarity. Breathe.

 

The simple act of fully expanding the lungs slowly and rhythmically for a minute or two changes the metabolism of the body. Oxygen is pumped more effectively to tightened muscles, which relax. The mind experiences a sense of relief, an ebbing of physical stress.

 

Chronic lack of proper ventilation is often associated with anxiety-induced hyperventilation. Panic attacks are often accompanied by hyperventilation. Simply cupping the hands tightly over the mouth with the fingertips closing the nostrils will help to restore normal breathing. Unattended to hyperventilation can lead to loss of consciousness, which usually takes care of adjusting the breathing to a more normal state. In extreme cases, respiratory arrest could occur and require emergency intervention.

 

Our bodies (ourselves) are complex systems of many living components. Millions of cells, all alive in their own way with their own functions. Our minds, powered by our evolved frontal lobes, enable us to actively utilize scientific knowledge about our own bodies. This is the tremendous gift of intelligence, memory and consciousness. Simply breathing intentionally to remain calm and to meditate is a wonderfully human thing to do. It keeps me in touch with my true human nature.