The Easiest Way to Get in the Zone . . .

I was tempted this week to send out only this image. But, then I thought I wanted to relate it more to sport and the true value of your breathe.

One thing I get when I remind athletes to 'Just Breathe' is a good eye-rolling.  I know, I know you've heard it before.  But there must be a reason why people keep reminding you breathe right.  Let me share my top 3 reasons why focusing on your breathe works miracles:

1) As the subject of this email suggests, focusing on your breathe is the easiest way to get in 'The Zone', that space where your performance flows almost effortlessly.  Why?  Because the zone can only exist when you are 100% present-focused, and since your breathe is the most present-focused thing you can do (if you stop breathing you die after all), it's the easiest access for you to come back to the present and access the zone.  Now let me be clear, this doesn't mean to haphazardly take a breath in and out, while you roll your eyes and say 'I suck'.  I mean to focus 100% of your attention on your breath coming in and out of your body and filling up all your cells with energy and life.  Feel your whole body expand with your breath.  That's how you let it centre you, and zone you in.

2) From a physiological perspective, your breath allows oxygen to enter your bloodstream and support your working muscles.  Without oxygen, your body transitions into anaerobic metabolism, and produces the byproduct all athletes dread: lactic acid.  So, if you're not breathing, your working muscles are working that much harder to produce energy to fire and fighting against the lactic acid that's building up at the same time.  And, we all know, the 'heavier' our legs begin to feel as the lactic acid is building up, the harder it is for us to remain focused and in the zone.  So, now our breath is tied to our physiology which then affects our mental capacity. 

3) Taking 3 deep breathes, with 100% attention on your breath and how your breath is giving your body the energy to perform, just plain feels good.  It really does.  So throw out the 'My mom's been telling me that for years and what does she know anyways' perspective, and listen up with renewed interest:  Just Breathe!

Coach Kara
www.performancetolife.com