What is the second step of the four-step stress plan?

• A. Stop whatever you are doing
• B. Breathe slowly and deeply
• C. Reflect about the problem at hand
• D. Choose how you want to deal with it

Answer: (B)

This item tests how a simple stress-management routine is put in sequence and why calming the body comes after pausing. The second step is to breathe slowly and deeply. After you stop what you’re doing to interrupt automatic reactions, taking slow, deep breaths helps shift the body from a state of high arousal toward safety. This breathing activates the body's relaxation response, lowers heart rate, reduces stress hormones, and clears your mind, making it easier to think clearly. Once you’re calmer, you can reflect on the problem at hand to understand what's going on, and then decide how you want to deal with it.