Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re starting our unit discussing the important connections between the brain and our bodies. Can anyone tell me how our brain influences our emotions?

Exactly! The limbic system and prefrontal cortex play crucial roles. The limbic system handles our emotional reactions, while the prefrontal cortex helps us think and reflect before acting. For a quick memory aid, remember that 'PFC is for Planning', because it’s involved in thoughtful responses. Can anyone give an example of when they felt their emotions take over?

That’s a great example! Understanding our brain's functions can help us manage our reactions better. By keeping neuro-mapping journals, we can track our emotional responses, and in the long run, improve our coping strategies.

You’ll record physical sensations you feel during emotional moments. For instance, if you feel tension in your shoulders, you might link that to stress or anxiety. Does that sound doable?

Good! To summarize, understanding how our brain controls emotions and using tools like journals can support our emotional wellness. Let’s move on to practical activities next week.

In our second week, we'll dive deep into stress management. What is stress, and how do we cope with it?

Correct! One way to manage stress is through biofeedback techniques. We’ll be using apps to monitor our heart rates while practicing breathing exercises. Does anyone know how breath control can help manage stress?

Exactly! Remember the acronym **B.R.E.A.T.H.E** for managing stress: Breathe, Reflect, Engage, Assess, Think, Heal, and Empower. Let’s practice some biofeedback breathing together now!

Sure! Let’s take a deep breath in for four counts and out for six. This will help reduce our stress levels.

Great to hear! Remember, understanding and implementing these advanced stress management protocols is key for our wellness journey.