One of the most useful skills to have as parents is the ability to be able to calm down or de-stress. Staying calm with our tamariki is perhaps more important than many of us realize. Certainly there is enough evidence that parental stress can negatively affect the brain development of our pepe. However, we all have experienced how our stress even can affect our older tamariki. It is often at these times that we tend to be less patience with them and may even have an exaggerated view of their negative behaviour. While researching this subject I came this simple calming technique developed by the Institute of HeartMath (included below) and have begun to practice it myself and have found it works. I now encourage parents to try it.
HeartMath’s Breathing® Technique can guide you to a state of ease in just a few minutes. The technique is as powerful as it is simple and can be used anytime you want to create greater relaxation or more energy.
Heart-Focused Breathing™ Technique
- Heart Focus: Focus your attention on your heart area. Breathe a little deeper than normal, in for 5 or 6 seconds and out for 5 or 6 seconds. You may find that placing your hand over your heart helps you maintain your focus there.
- Heart Breathing: Now imagine while breathing that you’re doing it through your heart. Picture yourself slowly breathing in and slowly breathing out through your heart area. (Maintaining you focus and breathing through the heart area leads you naturally into a state of ease. When you’re ready to proceed with the rest of your day, you’ll do so with more energy and resilience for future challenges)
Physiological Coherence “Coherence is the state when the heart, mind and emotion are in energetic alignment and cooperation,” according to Institute of HeartMath Research Director Dr. Rollin McCraty. “When the physiological coherence mode is driven by a positive emotional state, we call it psychophysiological coherence”. Those who’ve practiced Heart-Focused Breathing through the years say they have experienced: a state of being uplifted and alive; more peaceful, and less rushed in their busy lives, and a deeper heart connection within and with others. We invite you to experience the benefits of this simple technique by trying it for yourself and whenever you are feeling stresses or want greater balance.
