When people experience stress their breathing may become short and rapid (Cuseo, et al., 2007). In contrast, breathing while relaxed is slow and deep. By controlling our diaphragm while breathing it allows us to slow our breathing rate and can lower our stress levels. Slowing our breathing rate can also slow down other systems in the body and allow our blood pressure to drop (Cuseo, et al., 2007). Another technique to reduce stress is progressive muscle relaxation. Wrinkling your forehead, shrugging shoulders, tightening your fist, tightening stomach muscles, and curling your toes are all exercises that can be used (Cuseo, et al., 2007). Following these exercises it is important for the student to think to themselves: “Relax.” This should be done so in a future stressful situation and the student can think relax and all the muscles have been conditioned to relax in response to the word. This is very similar to muscle memory while playing a sport or typing on a computer. Doing these exercises multiple times can allow your body to do all these at once when a student thinks to relax. The final technique to reduce stress is mental imagery. Everyone as a calm place in their life that they may wish to be when in a tough situation. Imaging yourself at your favorite vacation spot or relaxing at home in your own bed can cause your stress levels to be greatly …show more content…
I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to take this class and benefit from all the lessons. By teaching studying tips and time management skills it assisted in allowing me to reach my full potential in the classroom. These strategies will continue to be used by me throughout my college career and I know they will continue to help me be successful. Three critical lessons that FYE taught were goal setting, time management, and wellness. These three lessons are very critical to a student 's success in college and in