From the first crudely drawn heart-shaped symbols painted on cave walls by Ice-Age hunters, humans have been fascinated with the heart and its role in our health and well-being.
Over the past 100 years, medical professionals have made great advances in understanding and treating heart disease and injury. However, some of the most significant, and fascinating, research being done today focuses on Heart Intelligence – the physiological mechanisms that allow the heart to communicate with the brain.
Neurocardiologists have discovered that the heart – with its 40,000 neural cells – has a complex nervous system that is sophisticated enough to qualify as a “little brain” in its own right. Its powerful and extensive electromagnetic field significantly affects how we perceive and react to – and with – our world.
Heart coherence, defined as the optimal functioning of the heart’s rhythmic patterns, offers many benefits. In fact, scientists have proven that people experience heightened mental clarity, improved decision-making abilities, and increased creativity when in a state of heart coherence.
Interestingly, many studies have demonstrated that someone who has learned to consciously hold him or herself in a state of coherence can entrain or sync up someone else who is in close physical proximity, bringing that person into the same level of coherence.
Think of the implications this has for us as organizational leaders and team members. We can not only learn to be that person who stays calm and focused under pressure – but we can also help our staff and teams perform better in times of stress or uncertainty. Just by being near them.
How do you teach your heart to maintain a smooth and steady rhythm? For most people, this happens naturally when we are asleep. Or, when we are in a state of relaxation. Unfortunately, during our working hours, stress and frustration often lead to sharp and jagged, rather than sooth and steady, rhythmic patterns. And when this happens, we can’t operate at our peak mental capacity.
You can train yourself to get to, and stay in, a state of coherence with a variety of tools and techniques – including apps for your phone or computer. But you don’t need technology to be successful. Here are a few simple tips that many of our clients find helpful.
First, learn to recognize when you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed. When this happens, resist the urge to power through and pass your stress and anxiety on to those around you. Instead, act with intent and remove yourself from the situation or environment for a brief time. Even a five-minute break can be beneficial.
Breathe in and out – slowly and consciously – through your nose. As you do this, envision your breath entering your body in the center of the chest and exiting via the same path. Close your eyes and focus on something you love and appreciate – a family member, a pet, a favorite vacation spot. Science shows that after two to three minutes you should begin to feel your heart slow down and settle into a steady rhythm.
When you return to your work environment, do so with the intent of bringing beneficial energy to the room. Think about how good it feels to be with someone who is truly present, focused, and mindful of their impact on others. Their energy positively affects others, helping to create a calm environment. And that results in greater productivity and effectiveness, not to mention a better experience for everyone.
Nice job reminding us how important it is to use our intelligent regulatory system to operate at our peak:-)