What is the third step in the four-step plan to gain control of your body when faced with stress?

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

Answer: (C)

When you’re stressed, a quick, structured routine helps you move from automatic reaction to a deliberate response. The plan goes: stop what you’re doing, reflect on what’s happening, breathe slowly and deeply, and then decide how you want to handle it. Breathing slowly and deeply is the best choice for the third step because it directly calms your body and mind after you’ve paused and taken stock. Slow, deep breaths reduce physiological arousal, lower heart rate, and ease muscle tension, which clears mental fog and helps you think more clearly about the situation. This breathing moment serves as a bridge, turning initial awareness into calm, focused reflection and then a thoughtful decision about what to do next.