11
CALMING CORNERS
The Calming Corners exercise aims to activate the calming part of the Vagus Nerve. It is
a simple technique that can be used whenever you are feeling stressed or worried. Even
people in Special Forces use it to improve their focus. Another example is the movie Sully, with Tom Hanks, that told
the story of Captain Sullenberger, who landed his plane on the Hudson River in 2009. He used Calming Corners to help
him focus during that stressful event. It is subtle, too no one will know you are doing it. Just pay attention to what is
happening at the edges of your vision.
Before we start the Calming Corners exercise, let me explain the Vagus Nerve and why it matters. The Vagus Nerve is
like a “wanderer” in our body, running from the brain down to the abdomen. It helps control things like our heart rate,
breathing, and digestion. It calms us down by sending signals to slow our heart rate and relax our body. When we use
our eyes in the Calming Corners technique, it activates the Vagus Nerve, helping us relax and reduce stress. Let’s go
ahead and give the tool a try!
Lead Calming Corners
Instructor Note: Read the Calming Corners (1.b) instructions in the Toolkit. You can also use the Mind Matters
Minutes: Calming Corners video or the Peripheral Vision YouTube video linked in the Lesson 1 PowerPoint.
Process Calming Corners
Ask: How was your experience? Were you able to maintain focus on one point while also being aware of your
surroundings through your peripheral vision?
Regardless of your initial experience, what can enhance this ability? That is right—practice.
You can practice this skill almost anytime you are feeling stressed. Imagine using Calming Corners at work, school,
on city streets, or at the mall. This technique can be employed discreetly, allowing you to use it anywhere and at any
time, whether it is just before a test, during a job interview, or while waiting in line. The Calming Corners instructions
are located on page 3 of your journal.
Let’s GO!
CALMING CORNERS
The Calming Corners exercise aims to activate the calming part of the Vagus Nerve. It is
a simple technique that can be used whenever you are feeling stressed or worried. Even
people in Special Forces use it to improve their focus. Another example is the movie Sully, with Tom Hanks, that told
the story of Captain Sullenberger, who landed his plane on the Hudson River in 2009. He used Calming Corners to help
him focus during that stressful event. It is subtle, too no one will know you are doing it. Just pay attention to what is
happening at the edges of your vision.
Before we start the Calming Corners exercise, let me explain the Vagus Nerve and why it matters. The Vagus Nerve is
like a “wanderer” in our body, running from the brain down to the abdomen. It helps control things like our heart rate,
breathing, and digestion. It calms us down by sending signals to slow our heart rate and relax our body. When we use
our eyes in the Calming Corners technique, it activates the Vagus Nerve, helping us relax and reduce stress. Let’s go
ahead and give the tool a try!
Lead Calming Corners
Instructor Note: Read the Calming Corners (1.b) instructions in the Toolkit. You can also use the Mind Matters
Minutes: Calming Corners video or the Peripheral Vision YouTube video linked in the Lesson 1 PowerPoint.
Process Calming Corners
Ask: How was your experience? Were you able to maintain focus on one point while also being aware of your
surroundings through your peripheral vision?
Regardless of your initial experience, what can enhance this ability? That is right—practice.
You can practice this skill almost anytime you are feeling stressed. Imagine using Calming Corners at work, school,
on city streets, or at the mall. This technique can be employed discreetly, allowing you to use it anywhere and at any
time, whether it is just before a test, during a job interview, or while waiting in line. The Calming Corners instructions
are located on page 3 of your journal.
Let’s GO!
