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In Today’s Tip, Gordon Graham introduces tactical breathing, also known as box breathing, as an effective method for first responders to manage stress. This technique, practiced by U.S. Navy SEALs and recommended by medical professionals, involves a simple cycle: exhale deeply, inhale slowly through the nose for a count of four, hold the breath for another count of four, exhale through the mouth for four counts and hold again for four counts before repeating. Regular practice of tactical breathing can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure and help shift the body from a heightened state of alert to relaxation, thereby mitigating both acute and chronic stress.
Questions for discussion:
- How can integrating tactical breathing techniques into daily routines enhance on-duty performance for patrol officers?
- In what ways can leadership promote the practice of tactical breathing to support mental health and resilience among their teams?
- Can tactical breathing be utilized during critical incidents to improve decision-making and composure? Provide examples.
- What are the potential long-term health benefits for first responders who regularly practice tactical breathing?
- How can departments incorporate training on tactical breathing into their existing wellness programs?
Get more tips from Gordon here.
FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS WEEK RESOURCES
Learn how the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office’s built an award-winning holistic officer wellness program
Make mental health a priority to strengthen your personnel’s resilience
The Bakersfield PD and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office are leaders in prioritizing officer wellness. Here’s a summary of their best practices
The recognition of moral injury could be a major advance in the understanding of stress-related challenges to officer wellness over the course of a career
Chief Benjamin Bliven and Tactical Athletic Trainer Traci Tauferner discuss the strategies they are deploying to maintain officer wellness at the Wausau Police Department
What should the law enforcement profession make of a recent request from New Hampshire police chiefs to change fitness testing for LEOs?
