Breath
Whether you are a yogi or a human with lungs, you have been told to slow down and take a breath at some point.
As a child you were instructed to breathe and count to ten when feeling agitated.
Intuitively, people understand the power of breathing as an emotional regulation technique.
Cognitively, the evidence for the benefit of a breath is compelling.
Slow-paced breathing has a direct effect on immediate increase in executive function.
When asked to perform three separate tasks leveraging inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, participants who engaged in slow-paced breathing outperformed control groups.
Neither a breath or cup of coffee will solve all your problems.
They both, however, help kickstart neurological activation that might be useful.
If you need to leverage executive function, remember to breathe.
Did someone say iced coffee season?
- Morning Cup