do this when challenged

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Whether you're facing an internal challenge, like a self-critical thought, or a more external one, like an unruly 3-year-old, do this one thing just prior to engaging that challenge: take one breath, preferably deep and through your nose.

Why? Because according to researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, and reported in the journal Nature Human Behavior, it can improve your ability to address the challenge by arousing and focusing relevant brain regions. According to the researchers, this relates back to our ancient ancestors who relied on their sniffers to detect danger, to identify rotten foods and harmful fumes, and even to choose a mate!

So, that breath and its link to mental preparedness, actually helped keep humanity alive. And, though its not so much a survival mechanism anymore for us, that one breath can still signal the brain to pay attention and perform, especially when faced with a challenge. For instance, if you watch closely, you'll see many MLB players take a breath prior to stepping into the batter's box, or NBA players prior to stepping up to the free throw line.

So, when you're facing a challenge - regardless of the challenge - first, try taking a breath (and even a quick sniff can be helpful, believe or not), especially a deep breath through your nose. Then, take positive, committed action to address that challenge.

God bless and all the best!

--James

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• When taking a deep breath through your nose, how do you experience it? Honestly, it's now always pleasant for me, at least in the moment. How about for you? Please let me know with a comment below, and I can address those concerns in a future blog.

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Copyright © 2025, James Baumgardner, All rights reserved.

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