Retired Lieutenant Heath Tester joined us for Habits of Optimal Health to talk about a lifesaving tactic using the breath.
Do you know how you would react if confronted with potential violence, whether at home or in a public venue? The sound of gunfire can take a resting heartbeat to 200 beats/minute in a flash. At that point, hands are shaking and people tend to panic.
Lt. Tester trains law enforcement officers, as well as the public, to practice a controlled breathing technique to regain the ability to think clearly and increase the likelihood of staying alive.
Heath stresses the importance of having a “battle plan” for safety and escape. You can’t think clearly in fight and flight mode!
Before going to bed, know where your cell phone is. Know where your fire extinguisher is.
If you are out somewhere, carry mace and keep it easily accessible. Know where all exits are. If you think someone might be following, stop and turn to face them.
Practice! Practice! Practice! Train your mind to be prepared!
The lifesaving tactic that must be practiced:
Inhale for 4 seconds, hold 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds. Do this breathing technique for 3 rounds. This type of breathing may be considered a “box breath.”
Heath Tester and another highly skilled trainer, Jim Larkin, teach this lifesaving tactic to promote public safety. CLICK HERE for their upcoming events schedule.
CLICK HERE if you would like to attend a Habits of Optimal Health meeting!
Very interesting and informative breathing technique session. I will definitely use it for stressful situations, including playing golf!!
Thanks.
Mike