You’ll Need to Use This Technique After Reading This Post

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Given my strong inclination for looking for the easiest way to get things done, I just realized I’m way behind on sharing my insights obtuseness on Dan Pink’s Pinkcasts. (I think obtuseness is the right word – I searched Google for the opposite of insights, and among the 40 plus words it suggested, this seemed to be the best choice. But then I wasn’t sure if I should use the word obtuse, obtuseness, or obtusity. Oops; I just checked my watch and it’s now an hour later. I must have  fallen down the antonym rabbit hole. Any insights would be appreciated on the proper word choice, just don’t be obtuse. By the way, some classic blather in this paragraph…)

Anywho…

The last time I wrote about a Pinkcast was September 20, 2022 (which in a strange coincidence was also my birthday!) Since then, it appears as if Dan has shared about half a dozen more Pinkcasts. I was hoping there would be much more than that, since they usually offered something interesting for me to write about. And even if they didn’t I still wrote about it.

So going from that 9/20/2022 episode (for my non-American readers, I know that’s a terrible way to write a date, but it’s what I’m stuck with) and working towards the present, Dan’s next Pinkcast was titled:

Here’s how to calm down and chill out when you’re captured by stress.

Sounds like something like this could be useful for all if us.

The suggestion, based on research conducted by Andrew Huberman, a neurobiologist at Stanford University, involves the use of a technique known as the psychological sigh.

Essentially, this involves inhaling twice through your nose, holding it, and then one long exhale through your mouth. That’s it. If you actually want to watch Dan describe this technique, and (added bonus) watch him perform the technique (twice!), here is the video:

https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xs71pd51k0

After watching the video, I did have one question.

If it’s so effective, why did Dan have to use it several times in one day…

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Published by Jim Borden

A 60-something guy trying to figure out the world, and his place in it. Happily married for 40-plus years, three wonderful sons. Accounting teacher, fitness enthusiast, blogger, reader.

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49 thoughts on “You’ll Need to Use This Technique After Reading This Post”

  1. Answer: Because it feels like there ‘s more stress in the world than in just about any moment in history.

    We missed your blathering. I still remember a post you wrote about communicating with other guys while at the urninal. Now, what better time to share a little blather than that? “Hey, I sure like the changes they’ve made in the air fresheners around here? I just might have to come back tomorrow.”

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    1. hopefully stress levels around the world will start to come down in the near future, but I am not too optimistic.

      I guess when I was trying to write everyday, any topic was fair game, even bathroom conversations 🙂

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  2. The antonym of insight is inblind.

    I watched the video and I tried it. It didn’t seem to work, so I tried it again. Again it failed. I then started to worry that maybe there was something wrong with me. And that left me feeling very stressed. So I tried it again, to relieve the stress. But it didn’t work.

    And now I’m a nervous wreck. I’m about to have a breakdown. Thanks, Dan Pink.

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  3. Hmmmm … only problem with this technique is that those of us who have serious breathing issues (yes, I still smoke 2+ packs a day) cannot breathe in twice and hold it! That said, it sounds like a good technique, and I’ll try it, but I’ll have my inhaler in my hand, just in case!

    So good to see you back, Jim!!! Your blather is much needed these days!

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      3. Oh me too!!! I hate the “block” editors and have heard for a year or more now that WP plans to ultimately get rid of the classic editor. If they ever do, I will be fumbling in the dark! Have you noticed that every time WP “fixes” something, it becomes harder to use?

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  4. I am the Wizard of Ob. I was diagnosed as obliquely obtuse as a child and worked up to obsessively obdurate, obstinately obnoxious, and obliviously obscure. Do not obnob with people like me from the very objectionable world of Ob.

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  6. The very welcome return of blather! To be honest, I tend to ignore any of these ‘helpful’ tips, as I’d rather just bumble along in my own ignorant way. Sorry, Jim – and Dan!

    Opposite of insight? Has to be outlook, doesnt it?

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    1. to be honest, I haven’t tried it myself either, at least not yet. Maybe when I’m trying to come up with the idea for a post, and my mind is drawing a blank, and I start to stress out…

      I knew I could count on you to come up with the right word! 🙂

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    2. or “outta-sight”?? Haha… This made me feel validated:

      “Oops; I just checked my watch and it’s now an hour later. I must have  fallen down the antonym rabbit hole.”

      That is the trouble with having the entire internet at our fingertips… it IS a “net” that traps us because there is ALWAYS something interesting to give us insight, change our outlook or yes: STRESS us out!

      Thanks for the tips, Jim! I love Dan Pink’s work 🙂

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      1. clever!

        and I’m sure it won’t be the last time I get trapped in the internet time warp.

        and yes, I am a big fan of Dan as well. I’m also a big fan of Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast – it’s the only one I listen to.

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      4. as it turns out, my wife has also used this breathing technique with her children. And she said she has a vague recollection of Alphabet Breaths, but now wants to take a second look!

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  9. I do big sighs all day without thinking about them. My assistant often calls me on them. I think I’m just trying to reboot or center my brain for the next task. Isn’t a sigh sort of like a yawn? Just trying to wake ourselves up!

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    1. thanks, Carol. It’s good to hear from you!

      I’m curious what your souper douper watch is that checks your stress level. i may need to get one so that it can be another thing I get addicted to 🙂

      and I will try to smile more 🙂

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