TM
st re ng t hing f a m ilie s f r o m w i t h i n
POWERED BY FOUR BARREL FITNESS
By Adam &
Kristin Kleinert
Working
Toward Some
Peace
a s t m o n t h, w e b r i e f l y
illustrated the effects stress
often has on our family.
If you didn’t catch that
particular column, just
know that the role stress
plays in our household is significant, both
individually and as a family unit. And, because
we agreed that our current stressors are simply
a reality of a lifestyle we love, we decided to
explore and employ some new management
and coping skills.
First, we took a look into the concept of
visualization and, particularly, how it relates to
personal focus and anxiety management. We spoke
with a local expert to learn about benefits of a
visualization practice and we researched methods
for application. This month, we began trying out
some of the methods we learned. Additionally,
we discovered and utilized several other concepts
that proved to be effective.
L
Visualization, Guided Relaxation
& Simple Meditation
Visualization practice was an appealing jumping
off point for us. Proponent studies have shown
very positive results for people who sought
improvement in multiple areas in which our
family struggles. Because we each deal with stress
a bit differently and also are each seeking results
for varying issues, we decided this method might
be a great place to start.
40 EXTOL SPORTS / FEBRUARY 2018
We began with basics such as sitting in a
quiet space and simply imagining success in
an area where we needed improvement. These
areas obviously vary among the individuals in
our clan (for instance, Dad isn’t searching for
test-taking focus, nor is Mom looking to improve
her performance on the basketball court) but the
concept is the same. Quiet space, open mind,
visualizing a tangible, desired outcome.
As we sought more information and delved
a bit deeper, we added other elements to the
practice. List-making, strategy building, goal
setting, reflection. We began coupling these
exercises with the practice of a concept called
“Crocodile Breathing” and, before we knew it,
we began seeing results.
For our two youngest children, we downloaded
several different free apps that offered guided
We were aware of the therapeutic benefits
journaling can offer those who partake in it,
but we overlooked the additional perks that can
be experienced. Both kids (and the adults with
whom they interact) noticed a reduction in stress
level after each journal session. However, they
also seemed to feel more in control of their own
anxieties. In addition, Eli’s journal assignments
have seemed to help him to become more
organized and maintain his focus surrounding
important tasks.
Crocodile Breathing
Another – and quite possibly the most
important – skill we’ve put into practice is that
of “Crocodile Breathing.” While the concept itself
is nothing new, the proper way to employ this
... DAD ISN’T SEARCHING FOR TEST-TAKING
FOCUS, NOR IS MOM LOOKING TO IMPROVE HER
PERFORMANCE ON THE BASKETBALL COURT)
BUT THE CONCEPT IS THE SAME.
relaxation and simple meditation. (We felt the
above mentioned practices might still be a bit
above their heads for now.) Both have seemed to
enjoy giving these a try, especially at bedtime. As
time passes, we’d like to ad