Focusing

Much stress seems to originate from the way in which our minds perceive the world and the stories we tell ourselves about external realities. We can become caught up in the web of our painful memories and future fears in a very cerebral way. A consequence of this is that we may become disconnected from our bodily sensations and our 'felt sense' of ourselves and the world. When this happens we can get out of touch with the amazing resource that is our body. By focusing in on our sensations and thoughts in the moment we can reconnect with our stronger more solid selves and really listen to what is happening for us.

All the latest brain research seems to suggest that being attended to and attending to ourselves is healing and can aid neurogenesis.

Eugene Gendlin explored the concept of Focusing which is about focusing on what he called our 'felt sense'. You can find out more on the Focusing website

PS. But not while driving!

Breathing

The simplest way to relax is to learn to breathe properly. Learn how to control your breathing.

• Sit comfortably or lie down
• Try to adopt an attentive and straight but relaxed posture.
• Now, notice your breath entering and leaving your body.
• Don't judge your breath just notice as you breathe in and out.
• Focus on inhaling and exhaling
• Inhale by slowly taking the air down into your lungs (try to feel the air going down to your diaphragm), hold the breath for a couple of seconds and then gently and slowly exhale.
• Try breathing in and out, counting slowly: IN (one, two, three, four), HOLD (one, two) and OUT (one, two, three, four).
• When you have found the rhythm that suits you and is comfortable, focus on the words 'in' and 'out'. In your mind say, 'In - Out, In - Out, In - Out' in line with your breathing.

As you breathe in imagine the breath recharging or nurturing you. Whatever feels good or makes sense for you.

As you breathe out you may like to imagine yourself relaxing as you let go of tension.

Try to keep thoughts to a minimum by focusing on the breath and your 'In' - 'Out' mantra.

If your busy mind starts to wander don't judge it harshly just notice that that is what the mind tends to do and then gently bring yourself back to observing your breath.

Sometimes I imagine myself like my phone recharging!

Here you can listen to a clinical psychologist explaining the physiological effect of breathing in controlling the stress response and talking about how he uses mindful breathing and meditation to counter anxiety.