By Paula Echeverri,
CEO of Synapfitness, Author and Neuroscience Expert.
In a world where the world “calm” is just a luxury for the most privileged advertised in expensive retreats and spas that promise the cure for the modern world stress, we need to learn how to remain centered in the middle of the chaos.
As a mom and an expert in neuroscience I see the need to give people the tools they need to regulate themselves without spending a ton of money or going away on a Buddhist retreat. (something It is still in my bucket list to be honest!)
Modern society is having so many distractions today with things that take our mind away from the present moment and make us see and behave in ways we never thought it was possible. Phones are the main distraction today as you probably know our need to check our phone goes so crazy to the point that we cannot stay 10 minutes without thinking about this little device.
Not to mention TV and entertainment who are keeping us hooked like a drug. Our brains and bodies need a break from all of this and that is why I want to show you my 3 secrets to overcome obstacles in life so every time you have a problem you can handle it with ease like I do with my customers and not be consumed by chronic stress and anxiety.
Research shows that moods and feelings have a powerful influence on the lens through which we see our world. This lens then shapes our patterns of thinking.
- Secret #1 Train your brain to look for the “glimmers”
Do you know what is a glimmer? Literally means to shine a weak light on something. Use this to locate moments of joy during the day and savoring those moments like having a morning coffee alone by yourself or something else that brings happiness in your life. The more you do it the better for our mood and to develop gratitude and compassion for others.
Make a list in a journal and every time you find one add it so when you face a problem you can go back to the list and change your state by channeling that emotion in your body.
- Secret #2 Look at the problem from all angles!
It is hard to do when you have a problem because we are consumed by anger, sadness or frustration but changing the narrative and just asking yourself the question: why is this a problem for me? It will take us off the emotion and turn on our logic mind which gets busy trying to find an answer and meaning. So you are actually tricking your mind!.
The more you do this the more residence you develop by switching from reactiveness to logic.
“Remember Self Inquiry is the capacity to understand the stories that give rise to your emotions.”
- Secret #3 Breathing to Connect to ourselves
I personally love breath work. It calms and give balance to our nervous system, lower stress and also help us to connect to ourselves anchoring us on the present moment.
When you are new I recommend to just use the 4, 6, 8 breathing exercise. So inhale 4 seconds, hold 6 and breath out through your mouth 8 seconds until you are out of breath.
Once you do this repeat a mantra: I love “I AM SAFE”. It really helps us send a message to our mind and body that everything is OK.
While you do this place a hand on your heart and feel how it feels with a bright light as you do the breathing exercise.
From my research these are the easiest and very powerful ways to get back to our senses and get calm. I train people to do this and It does works wonders! I am a witness of this on my personal journey.
Stress is inevitable but suffering is preventable. By doing this work every day and you will start changing your life for the better.
The three secrets I've shared—glimmering, shifting perspectives, and mindful breathing—are not just strategies; they are profound gateways to reclaiming control over our mental and emotional well-being. In the hustle of modern life, where every ping from our phones competes for attention, it's crucial to carve out moments of joy. Training our brains to seek out these "glimmers" becomes a revolutionary act, a rebellion against the constant demands on our attention.
When faced with adversity, the second secret help us to step back, detach from the immediate emotional response, and ask ourselves the crucial question: "Why is this a problem for me?" This simple yet powerful shift in perspective activates our logical mind, turning the problem into a puzzle to be solved rather than an overwhelming force.
Finally, the rhythmic dance of breath—the third secret—offers a tangible connection to the present moment. As you inhale and exhale, following the 4, 6, 8 pattern, you anchor yourself in the now.
As I've witnessed through my personal journey and in guiding others, these techniques are not just quick fixes; they are transformative practices. They require no external substances—just the commitment to integrate them into your daily routine.
Remember, the power to change your life lies within these simple yet profound practices. Embrace them daily, and gradually, you'll find yourself not merely overcoming challenges but thriving amidst them. Life's chaos will no longer dictate your state of mind; you'll be the calm amidst the storm.
With gratitude,
Paula Echeverri
Best Seller Author and Neuroscience Expert
Instagram @authorpaulaecheverri
www.neuromomceo.com
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