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Neutralizing Physical Annoyances
Once in a while, I learn something about a seemingly unrelated topic - such as freediving - and I take away some trick that is well known and "obvious" in that topic, but is generally useful and NOT known by many people outside. Case in point, you can use equalization techniques from diving to remove pressure in your ears when you descend in a plane or a fast lift. I also give some other examples.
Ears
Reading about a few equalization techniques took me maybe 5 minutes, and after reading this passage once I was able to successfully use the "Frenzel Maneuver":
The technique is to close off the vocal cords, as though you are about to lift a heavy weight. The nostrils are pinched closed and an effort is made to make a 'k' or a 'guh' sound. By doing this you raise the back of the tongue and the 'Adam's Apple' will elevate. This turns the tongue into a piston, pushing air up.
(source: http://freedivingexplained.blogspot.com.mt/2008/03/basics-of-freediving-equalization.html)
Hiccups
A few years ago, I started regularly doing deep relaxations after yoga. At some point, I learned how to relax my throat in such a way that the air can freely escape from the stomach. Since then, whenever I start hiccuping, I relax my throat and the hiccups stop immediately in all cases. I am now 100% hiccup-free.
Stiff Shoulders
I've spent a few hours with a friend who is doing massage, and they taught me some basics. After that, it became natural for me to self-massage my shoulders after I do a lot of sitting work etc. I can't imagine living without this anymore.
Other?
If you know more, please share!
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Comments (7)
I found a trick somewhere on the net for clearing a blocked nose (even very blocked). Hold your nose, inhale deeply, then repeat tipping your head back for four seconds, and then forward for four seconds. Breath out slowly. Then hold your breath as long as you can, still tipping forward and back every four seconds and holding your nose. Eventually you inhale and all the gunk just sort of flows out of your nasal cavity. Warning... much gagging, spluttering and spitting at this point. But it's worth it.
Relax when trying to remember something instead of making an effort.
I disagree. Sure, research shows that memory formation is improved when you relax. If I want to remember a specific fact though, it helps me to mentally search for contextual clues around where I learned the fact.
Maybe I'm doing it wrong though - any research or convincing anecdotes on this?
All I've got is personal experience. Sometimes relaxing is speeding up the process of "When I stopped thinking about it, it popped into my mind".
I search for contextual clues, and sometimes it works. However, if I'm stuck on some idea about what the right answer is, but that isn't working, relaxing can help.
If your ears are doing the "pressure change thing", like if you are in an airplane:
Pinch closed your nose, close your mouth tight, and try to "blow". The air has nowhere to go and it will "pop" your ears. Makes flying much easier.
I occasionally just forget that I can change things about my environment. If my clothes are uncomfortable, I can change. If there are annoying sounds, I can wear earplugs.
For some context about when and what to change see Attempted Telekinesis.