Sometimes it's the simple things that can have a big impact. And this micro-exercise is one of those things.
What is it about?
I'm sure you're familiar with the phrase "hand on heart" as a call to be authentic and honest about something.
Interestingly, this gesture – placing your hand on your own heart – also appears in many religious images.
It seems to make a difference when you put your hand on your own heart. And in fact, there are studies that show that the laying of your hand on your own heart
- can lower the concentration of the stress hormone cortisol and thus have a calming effect,
- can increase heart rate variability, which is an indicator of how well the body can handle stress, and
- can reduce stress and self-criticism in general and promote feelings of safety and security.
And – this is my personal experience – the "laying on of hands" can significantly deepen the feeling of connection with nature and everything around you.
And this also helps us to feel more relaxed, to calm down again and to find our inner center again.
Just give it a try:
The next time you are stressed by something, put your hand on your own heart and feel inside yourself how your inner body perception changes as a result.
Give yourself some time and get involved in the exercise. You will probably notice that the exercise will make you feel noticeably calmer and more relaxed very quickly.
And if you look at a picture with a relaxing natural landscape at the same time, for example, you can enhance the effect even more.
Or you can combine this exercise with the exercise " Cardiac respiration ", which you can also find here in the micro exercises - this also increases the relaxing effect even more.
So – hand on heart – are you doing this exercise?