Assignment 19- Sam Vandiver

   
     The best advice I have ever received is also probably the simplest: breathe. Whether you're in a heated argument and about to say something you're going to regret or you're freaking out during the ACT, it never hurts to take a minute to relax and just breathe. Remembering to breathe takes your mind off of whatever is occupying it, even if it's just for that one breath, and helps you reevaluate your condition. Often, this ends in you realizing that nothing life-threatening is happening and that everything will be okay.
     Doing this has helped me to be much calmer in tense situations than I used to be, and to react more positively to adversity. This has worked particularly well in arguments. Usually the frustration starts taking over and hurtful things are said, but if I take a minute and just relax, take a breath, and think, these things are often entirely avoidable.