by Amy Fonarow
It’s no secret that information is coming at us faster than ever before, but the emotions thus invoked haven’t changed since the evolution of our limbic system: our feelings still need to run through in order for us to enjoy healthy lives.
Of course, in certain situations it’s beneficial to address and express immediate emotions a bit later on. Here are three quick ways to focus and reset to positive until you have the time and space you need.
I’m not offering medical advice, nor am I claiming that these six-second techniques will help with all difficult moments, but they’re easy to do and I’ve experienced their benefits, so I wouldn’t want you to miss them!
1) Breathe In Thrice
How to do it:
Take three short, quick, deep breaths in through your nose. Then slowly exhale all the air out through your mouth.
It’s good to balance these: the exhalation should take the same amount of time as all three inhalations combined. If the first run through doesn’t flip the switch for you, try repeating it a few times in a row.
No hyperventilating, all right?
Where it came from:
This technique is my own riff off of some of the Vocalastics breathing exercises for singers created by Maui-based singing instructor Louise Lambert. Mahalo nui, Louise!
Why it works:
You’re moving your focus from your thoughts and emotions to your breath. Plus, you’re consciously bringing in more oxygen, which is pretty much always a good thing.
2) Spin ‘Round Twice
How to do it:
Spin quickly in the direction that isn’t as natural for you, twice.
Where it came from:
As a highly sensitive dancer who checks in regularly with her inner life, I just . . . made it up at some point.
Why it works:
You’re suddenly focused on determining which direction is your non-dominant one: is it left or right? Then, the spinning whirls you out of any thoughts and into your fantastic voluntary muscles. Also, simply considering the fact that you’re about to spin in an odd place may have you laughing.
3) Skip Advice
How to do it:
Simply skip, bringing your knees up to your elbows as high as you possibly can.
Where it came from:
Dee Bradbery, an Australian indie pop artist known as Wild Eyed Wonder, posted an Instagram video demonstrating and encouraging this, and for me it’s worked . . . well . . . wonders! Remember, these techniques don’t address emotions directly; they set them aside to be handled in the future. And the sooner you can permit the feelings to flow on through, the better.
Why it works:
Skipping gets you out of your head and into your body, requires you to breathe deeply, and makes you feel happy. Doing it can also raise the vibrations of people around you.
Folks often find it delightful when people step out of the norm in a conscious, kind, and slightly unusual way; consider a flash mob! We are all spiritual beings beneath physical, mental, and emotional trappings, and on some level, many of us yearn to break out of the constraints. Skipping in public gives everyone permission to do that, in their own little way.
So, the next time you need to change your focus in six seconds, try this breathing, spinning, or skipping!
What are the quick and healthy things you do to flip the switch on your emotions? We’d love to hear your techniques – and how these three work for you – at [email protected].
See you soon, and remember – every time you can, stay conscious!
