You Can’t Outthink Chaos
Spark #112 - Coherent breathing flips the switch from stress to steady.
Calm starts in the body.
Most people live in a noisy mind where thoughts race and emotions spiral.
The truth is, it’s hard to feel steady with your nervous system is on edge.
Here’s the thing:
You can’t think your way into calm.
You have to stabilize your body first.
It took me years to learn that.
I used to try to outthink the chaos.
It only made things worse.
Until I learned, Coherent Breathing.
It’s simple. And it works.
Try this:
Inhale for 5 seconds
Exhale for 5 seconds
Repeat for 5 cycles
This isn’t a hack.
It’s how we’re wired.
The fastest way to calm is your breath.
And the research backs it up.1
When your system steadies, your mind settles.
You stop spiraling.
You stop bracing for the next thing.
You start showing up clear, calm, and ready.
That’s what flow feels like.
Steady. Balanced. Fully here.
For a deeper dive and guided practice
Listen to my audio program: 10 Strategies for Living in Flow. It’s your next step toward being awake and feeling alive.
Learn more from Dr. Patricia Gerbarg at breathbodymindfoundation.org
I am constantly astonished how many times I need to remind myself to just breath. I taught it for 14 years. Still the teacher continues to need to be reminded. Don't beat yourself up. Our modern world tells us we don't have time. TAKE THE TIME! Thank you Cara for the reminder!
Love this simple breathing hack. 5 s in and 5 s out. I find there are so many "complicated" breathing routines (e.g., 5 s in, hold for 7 s, exhale for 8 s). This is easy!