SOBER Breathing (Stop, Observe, Breathe, Expand Awareness, Respond)

You've probably experienced "brain fog" in a stressful situation previously. Your judgement was clouded wasnt it?

In stressful situations, our breathing becomes constrained, and so does the oxygen level in our body. This makes us tense and our brains foggy.

If less oxygen due to constrained breathing is the cause, more oxygen from relaxed breathing is the solution to clear the brain fog and bring balance to your mind and body. Introducing

Stop
Observe
Breathe
Expand Awareness
Respond Mindfully

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1) STOP and STEP OUT of AUTOPILOT MODE. Disrupting the flow of thoughts that are in motion can be done by focusing on something around you also.

2) OBSERVE: As if you are holding a video camera and filiming yourself, observe your experience. Observe the thoughts circling in your head and the underlying emotions you are experiencing. Allow and Accept all these thoughts and emotions as you observe them.

4) BREATHE: Now that you’ve snapped out of autopilot and are acutely aware of your own thoughts and emotions, take a deep breath - as long and deep as you can - and focus all your attention on the movement of the breath.

5) EXPAND YOUR AWARENESS: As you feel your breathing, feel ALL the sensations coming out of your body - your toes, your muscles, your chest - and connect with these sensations as they arise.

6) RESPOND MINDFULLY: Recognise the discomfort and sensations you are feeling. Accept the discomfort you are facing and  choose what action you can take with a deep awareness of your situation.‍‍ With a clearer head, you can better evaluate your choices, their consequences and respond.

You've got this :)