Imagine what it would be like for children to know their own minds so well that they could hack their nervous systems for their own advantage.
Dr. Andrew Newberg, neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author of such books as Words Can Change Your Brain, talks about the importance of dropping from the default mode network (DMN) of the brain to the salience network system (SNS). In the DNS, which we are normally in, we entertain strategies of what could work and not work, listen to the stories composed by our internal speech, and act as if these stories are true.
We naturally switch into the salience network (SN) in a variety of situations, such as when we pet our dog, meditate, or take a pleasant shower or bath. When in the salience network, we resonate more with our instinct and intuition and feel more interconnected with others and our environment. Moving here gives us the sense of things running more smoothly. It also has the advantage of cooling the brain and regulating blood flow and is like a harmonizer for all the other neural networks.
In a study with top executives from multi-million dollar companies, participants were tasked with consciously moving into their salience networks once every hour on the hour. They would do so simply by pausing for a moment to take a quick stretch and yawn when a mindfulness bell on their phones would ring. The study showed that just doing this one simple thing throughout the day increased dopamine levels, focus, and productivity and even boosted the immune system. Another study showed that taking an additional moment to notice a pleasant sensation (such as from rubbing one's hands together) and reflecting on something the participants valued improved results further.
Students who make a regular practice of these easy, scientifically proven techniques will obviously receive great benefit. They will accomplish more and do so more happily. Consider downloading the free mindfulness bell app now and seeing how it will work for you.