Simple Stress Reliever

I want to share a very simple and quick way to calm down the body that you can use in class and only takes a minute!

Let me describe the exercise first and then explain why it works.

Simply cover your left eye with your hand and look up with the right eye. Take 3 slow breaths, making the exhale longer than the inhale. I like to look up on the first breath, then to the side on the second and down on the third.

That's it! So why does this work?

The brain is separated into 2 hemispheres. The left hemisphere is associated with language, logic, and analytical thinking, while the right hemisphere is linked to creativity, imagination, and emotional processing.

Because the right side of the brain controls the left side of your body and vice versa when you cover the left eye the brain focuses on the right eye more which in turn activates the left brain.

The left brain is better at thinking logically and calmly. Covering one eye is also reducing visual stimulus which for some people, will reduce overwhelm.

Here's an illustration for those who are visual learners.

Such a simple technique to reduce stress levels!

I want to mention that I had the misconception that a person could be more 'dominant' in one hemisphere. For example, an accountant being more left brain dominant and a creative type being more right brained. This distinction is based on personality traits rather than on actual brain activation.

Try it yourself and/or take a moment when the class is getting crazy to calm and focus their attention and be curious about the results!

To your success,

Deborah