PBH M3.5: Reflective Exercise

Three-Minute Pause

Reset your Mind: Stop, Breathe, and Think: Today, all of us are juggling multiple responsibilities, and often that comes with increased stress. During times of stress, our sympathetic nervous system is stimulated and can trigger a number of physical responses. But what if we could do something to combat this fight or flight reaction and actually decrease our stress and relax?

Let's Begin!

This week we are going to learn how to do something called diaphragmatic breathing or "abdominal breathing." Diaphragmatic breathing is a deep breathing exercise that fully engages the diaphragm and increases the efficiency of the lungs. Abdominal breathing is just one of many breathing exercises but it is the most important one to learn before exploring other techniques. 

Your first attempts at diaphragmatic breathing may feel strange or effortful. But with practice, however, the exercise should become easier and more relaxing. To begin your practice, please review the video below. 

https://youtu.be/inpok4MKVLM

Assignment Instructions

After completing this video and exercise, in one or two paragraphs reflect on the following:

• Take notice and describe your experience.  
• Analyze the experience and answer the following question.
  • In what way did this exercise allow you to slow down for a few minutes? What did you experience? What reactions did you have?
• Reflect on what you learned and how you will use this learning in your life.  
• Reflective Journal Rubric (1)