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Every morning at a motel on Warwick Boulevard (and I’m sure at countless fast food locations and cafés all over the world), some group of retirees gathers to sort out (and solve) current event issues. Their solutions usually involve simple solutions to some complex problems. (Yes, I’ve eavesdropped). The details are not bothered with because that would require depths of research and thought which are not part of the simple solutions mindset folks.
I’m obviously not a fan of the ubiquitous simple solutions approach. Some problems, for instance, aren’t meant to be solved simply or even with complex reasoning. Some problems have to be continually managed. I’m not trying to delve into current event specifics in this column but, for example: immigration is a major problem all over the world. There are no simple solutions for ironing out the gaps between countries that are dangerous and poverty stricken and countries that have more opportunities. It’s an issue to be managed, not solved, which is why no country has “solved” it. A framed quote sits over my desk: “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” It’s by Albert Einstein. Genius had a sly sense of humor.
OK, OK, is this a rant about oversimplifying? Oh no. It’s the opposite. This is another example of no matter how much I think I understand, if I keep an open mind, I learn there are exceptions. Because there IS a simple and proven path to improve: anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, impulsive behaviors which fill our prisons, substance abuse, some symptoms of menopause, PTSD, suicide attempts, our capacity to resist temptation, slow our heart rate, control anger, pain, insomnia and many other complex stress-related conditions.
When we find ourselves in situations and the advice is “just relax,” some folks can’t. No one can always stay calm under pressure. There are situations that challenge the best of us. So what is this simple way to improve so much? Relaxation Breathing. Studied for decades and clearly proven with measurable results we now have even more depth of understanding regarding the physiology involved.
Neuroscience — the chemistry and psychology which deals with the function of the nervous system and brain — now has so many tools to work with in research. First, computers and now, AI enable the findings to reach far beyond what was previously feasible. Randomized controlled studies show that when in intense high stress situations, our rational thought in the pre-frontal cortex of our brains often shuts down.
Also consider, rational thought and logic can’t change an emotion. Relaxation Breathing can calm our nervous system in addition to our brain which is THE game changer. That slows our heart rate which allows us to improve our ability to think and feel with focus. This is relevant because it’s usually not the situation; it’s about how we see it, how we respond and how clearly/calmly we make decisions and act.
Experiential learning is usually beneficial, so while there are many ways to practice Relaxation Breathing, I’ll just share a simple one I’ve found. You can do your homework later and may find an approach you prefer. If you have a heart rate monitor in your home (if you don’t, please consider getting one — it tells us so much about important resting and maximum HR measurements), simply sit quietly in a comfortable position and start your monitor. Watch your heart rate steadily come down as you inhale slowly through your nose to a count of 1-5, exhale slowly through your mouth from 5-1, repeat for a few minutes. Your mind WILL wander. Just calmly come back to your counting focus. You are relaxing yourself. You are in control. It’s not complicated. It’s simple and it works.
Agree? Disagree? Brian Cole welcomes your viewpoints on his columns. He can be reached at 757-599-5999 or by email at Brian5995999@msn.com.