We’re at the height of information and info overload (we’re currently subjected to more sensory stimulation in one week than our ancestors in the past experienced in a lifetime). And we’re shutting down because of it.
Why?
The limbic system is the part of the brain involved in our behavioural and emotional responses, especially when it comes to behaviours we need for survival: feeding, reproduction and caring for our young, and fight or flight responses. Our era of information and sensory overload is overwhelming our limbic systems, sending us into “fight or flight” on a daily (even hourly) basis.
Sensory overload occurs when the brain is faced with more sensory input than it can process. This overstimulation of one or more of the five senses can make the brain unable to process the sensory information and cause stress responses. Basically, sensory overload happens when you’re getting more input from your five senses than your brain can sort through and process; the brain struggles to interpret, prioritise or otherwise process sensory inputs, overwhelmed and disorganised, the brain’s natural “defence” is then to communicate to the body that it is time to escape these sensory inputs. This is guaranteed to set anyone up for failure (and at the least, absolute exhaustion, anxiety and depression).
What now?
We need to learn how to switch off without dialing out.
My top suggestions?
Mindfulness, Meditation and Breath-Work.
Mindfulness, meditation and breath work are three practices that can be combined to improve relaxation, focus and overall well-being. Mindful breathing involves bringing your full awareness to the sensation of your breathing, counting your breaths softly or just observing your breath without counting. The goal is to notice your thoughts and physical sensations without judging them or reacting to them, and to return your focus to your breath.
Breath work meditation involves consciously and mindfully changing your breathing patterns to improve relaxation. There are many reported benefits of breath work meditation, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep and mood, and helping with the symptoms of certain physical illnesses. Popular breath work meditation exercises include 4-7-8 breathing, box breathing, and alternate nostril breathing.
Combining breath work with meditation allows you to potentially reap the benefits of both techniques. People use breath work meditation to improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. According to research, breath work may boost mood, decrease high blood pressure, deepen relaxation, improve alertness, focus and memory, promote creativity and quality sleep, soothe emotions associated with grief and trauma, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce symptoms of asthma and stress.
Overall, mindfulness, meditation and breath work are powerful tools that can help you achieve a greater sense of calm and well-being in your daily life.
These three practices are transforming World Changers across the globe and are the top three secret life hacks to give power people the competitive edge in life. Why? Because when we learn to switch off and step out, we can better gauge the nuances of everyday life (which is vital in optimising your own life) and see the wood from the trees.
Connect with us to find out more about these keys and how to optimise your own life. Send an email through to connect@madetothrive.co.za so we can touch base.
