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We've all been there. We're in a tough situation, the pressure's on, others are looking to us to come through. We want to
be at our best, and...we freeze.
Or even worse, we do or say something completely dumb.
Afterwards, we say: "What was I thinking." Well the truth is, you weren't thinking. In the heat of the moment,
just when you needed to be at your best, your brain received messages to shut down your higher thinking centers. The scientific
name for this is "cortical inhibition." Others call it being stupid...Choking...Losing it...
Stress can actually cause our higher thinking centers to turn off. When that happens, smart people can do some pretty
dumb things.
But it doesn't have to happen to you. You can learn ways to stay at your best and think clearly in any situation. You
can take control of your response to stress.
The folks at the Institute of HeartMath teach a lot of effective techniques to give you that control. One I can tell
you about right now is called Quick Coherence.
There are three simple steps.
First, focus your attention around the area of your heart. When you're first practicing, you might want to place you
had over your heart to help.
Next, imagine breathing in and out through your heart.
Finally, recall a person, place or thing that you feel true care or appreciation for and attempt to re-experience those
emotions. Don't just remember them, try to feel them. Positive emotion will send that "all clear" signal.
That's it. That may seem simple and it is. But don't underestimate the power of what I've just told you.
Those that understand this technique and others like it remain level-headed and clear-witted — no matter what's
going on around them. They're the ones that come up with answers that seem obvious once they point them out, but nobody could
see before.
They perform at a high level while others flounder.
Would you like to join the ranks of these high performers? Learn to control the messages your heart sends your brain
and you can.
[Ed. Note: Joseph F. McCaffrey, MD, FACS is a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience in alternative medicine,
including certification as a HeartMath Trainer. His areas of expertise include mind-body interaction and cognitive restructuring.
Dr. McCaffrey strives to help people attain their optimum level of vitality through attention to all aspects of wellness.
]
"This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise's Total Health Breakthroughs, offering alternative solutions for
mind, body and soul. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com"
These pages are for information only and are not medical advice. They do not purport to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent
any disease. Always consult a physician before taking any supplement or undergoing any procedure described here.
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