Start with your breath.
Take a quick deep breath in.
Hold it for one second and then slowly breathe out.
Then hold for one second.
The breath out should take at least twice as long as the breath in.
This is you tapping into that vagus nerve.
Continue doing this.
A quick full breath in.
Hold.
Slowly breathe out.
Hold.
Quick breath in.
Hold.
Slow breathe out.
Hold.
While you're doing this,
Note how your heart is reacting.
It will be slowing down.
I want you to actually take note of this.
Now keep doing your breathing drill,
But we're going to work to control your pupils.
Quickly look to see and identify three objects you need.
Make this a habit.
Whenever you're doing this,
Always start with the breathing and then notice the objects you need.
Lastly,
While you're still doing your breathing drill,
We are going to work to counter the dry mouth you may get in a stressful situation.
That's done simply by thinking about your favorite food.
That'll simulate an involuntary salivation and that will help with a dry mouth.
Once you're done with that,
You're done.
Do that over and over until it's part of your muscle memory.
Figuratively and quite literally.
Whether you're a warrior on the battlefield,
A warrior on the beat,
A warrior fighting fires,
Or a warrior in the emergency room,
Wherever your war is.
If you work to make this your new stress response,
You will be a more prepared and better warrior.
Bless you all for the work you do.
