Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
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The most important information/key concepts we need to understand from these chapters
are: Chapter five starts off with some surprising facts about how we’re not getting enough of the
three R’s despite the fact that technology makes it possible to do the same amount of work but in
half the time compared to decades past. Napoli and Roe attribute this never-ending need to be
working to debt thanks to credit cards and shopping addictions many Americans deal with. Next,
they discuss some great benefits of rest and relaxation to convince us that doing absolutely
nothing can do wonders for us despite the fact that most people need to feel like they’re doing
something at all times. Then Napoli and Roe dive into the third “R” which is recreation and talk
about many studies and research that show the importance of play in our lives. Most importantly
we need to pick a recreation that we enjoy and simply allow ourselves to have playtime every
day.
How can I use the information in the chapters to help me with my daily mindfulness
practice? I’d like to think that I get enough recreation throughout the week whether it be through daily
exercising, just playing some sports with some friends or teaching ballroom dance but it’s most
likely coming at the cost of some resting and relaxing. It’s hard to find time to not do anything
except when it’s either winter or summer break. I like to believe that all the time I’m putting in
and all of the rest I’m missing will pay off once I’ve been accepted into dental school. However,
I hope to incorporate some rest and relaxation in the second portion of the semester in order to be
more successful in my mindfulness practices. I think that since I’m not getting enough of those
two R’s that it’s making it a little bit harder to be mindful than it would be if I was able to dial it
back every now and then.
In what ways will the material learned in these chapters help me manage my stress more
effectively?
The material on rest and relaxation in chapter five can help remind me of the importance of
allowing myself to “recharge the batteries” at some point during each day and clear my mind. By
incorporating a healthy amount of rest during each day, I can lower the levels of stress
I experience when I’m doing the things I need to do for school, work, etc.
What are your thoughts and feedback regarding the information and activities for each
chapter?
During each weeknight I would say I rarely get more than five hours of sleep because of early
classes and a heavy course load but I usually feel ready to go when I wake up and don’t really
get tired throughout the day. I think it’s because of my steady involvement in recreation which
gives me the relaxation and energy needed to make it through each week despite not getting the
adequate amount of rest recommended. Like I said though, when I’m older and done with school
I plan on getting the ample amount of rest and relaxation during my workdays so that I can be
just as lively and energetic as I am now!
