We know the story: The acorn hits Chicken Little’s noggin, and he cries, “The sky is falling!” Poor guy doesn’t yet understand relativism. In his reality, and literal head space, inches though it may be, the sky is arguably falling. But we know this is a story of hysteria, and he’s being an alarmist. In our own lives when hysteria reigns, we can zoom out to see that birds still fly, cars still drive, bodies fill classrooms, and arms still hug. Sometimes we have to bring it down to basics to feel okay.
Those who know me know that I also teach yoga. For many years, my yoga teacher “hat” (i.e. leggings) was a far cry from my English teacher “hat” (i.e. blazers). Lately, my worlds have collided, and I find myself talking about fear and stress management to English students as often as how to cite a source. Well, in truth, students are initiating these concepts with me more than I am with them. It’s what’s on their minds and in their writing.
Here’s what I know, and what I know others know: We’re feeling it. And by ‘it’ I mean capital ‘I’ ‘It.’ Sure, stress can be healthy and motivating, and perceiving it as such can help us build resilience. But the high octane cortisol fuel flowing through our veins 24/7 may be… well, a bit much.
To thrive, not just survive, we have to make hard choices: Do we abstain from social media or the news? Or, do we circle the wagons? How do we move through the changes and fear? The other day I listened to a livestream event from a journalist I respect, and she walked listeners through the square breathing technique at the end of her talk. Of course, what preceded her breathing exercise was her suggestion to “please go ahead and end this talk if you don’t like woo woo.” Wait, what?
Square breathing:
- Inhale to a count of four
- Hold that breath for four
- Exhale to a count of four
- Pause at the base of that exhale for a count of four
But back to the journalist: Is breathing “woo woo”? Last I knew from science, namely, Anatomy and Physiology, deep breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which then activates the parasympathetic nervous system. That is, deep breathing calms us. Secondly, square breathing is a great regulatory technique. Longer exhales, though, are even better for calming. So, if you’re feeling anxious and inclined to try this technique, make your exhalation longer than your inhalation. Voila, you’re ready to go toe-to-toe with your next panic attack! See how easy mental health is? (kidding…)
News regarding education, war, job losses, tariffs, and so much more is overwhelming. We feel it, and our students do, too. The content in our courses matter. Teaching and learning matter. It is important we uphold standards and expectations. All of it offers a safe place from the hard realities of life. But what if we open our minds and hearts to assign a quick regulation strategy like breathing as part of their homework, or as an initial activity or exit ticket? What if we ask students what makes them happy, and tell them that an assignment is to do that thing this week and report back? What if we breathe with them?
As for our dear Chicken Little, I hope he learns that the sky is not falling. (Now the planes, that’s a story for another day…)
