Reflection - Statement of Goals and Choices

MWA 1 - Reflection 

The most insightful source I encountered during this project was the article by Kumari (2025), which clearly outlines how untreated anxiety and chronic stress manifest not just emotionally but also physically through fatigue, restlessness, irritability, and even weakened cognitive function. Reading this helped me name and validate what I’ve been feeling in my daily life, and reinforced how necessary it is to take even small steps toward managing my mental health.

The area where I invested the most effort was in developing a practical and achievable plan. At first, I thought about making some big changes, like dropping a class or cutting back on my work hours. After deeper reflection, I came to the conclusion that the initial options wouldn’t support me in the long run. Instead, I’ve decided to execute a smaller yet more impactful change by dedicating just a small bit of time each day to purposeful quiet time by myself. While this may seem like an apparent commitment, the clarity and purpose driving this decision materialized from significant reflection and internal back-and-forth.

If I were to recreate this project, I would start my research earlier. I underestimated the depth of the connection between self-care and overall functioning. I could have benefited from having more time to explore additional perspectives on the subject, such as those in occupational health or mindfulness practice.

Looking ahead to MWA 2, I know that consistency will be my biggest challenge. There will be nights when I’m tempted to skip the balcony time in favor of cleaning, studying, or collapsing into bed. To counteract this, I’ve set an alert on my phone and plan to journal each night right while sitting outside. Even a single sentence reflection will help track my mindset and encourage accountability.

I've realized that even the shortest commitments can create significant and lasting ripple effects, especially when they are consistent. This project isn’t just about taking care of myself mentally, it is also about showing my kids how to maintain a balanced and intended practice. Additionally, it’s a way for me to prove to myself that I can reclaim my personal space without sacrificing the progress I’ve made.

What I Learned by Slowing Down: Reflecting on the Process
(Statement of Goals and Choices (Reflection))

Completing this project really demonstrated how much of an impact little, intentional habits can have on my mental health and overall vibe. Simply taking 15 to 60 minutes each day to sit on my balcony, away from my phone, responsibilities, and distractions, truly helped reset my stress levels and brought unexpected clarity. I decided to present my report in a written format because it mirrored the reflective nature of the project. Journaling short notes after each balcony session became a key part of the practice. Writing helped me keep track of the small emotional and mental changes over the days, and it let me notice patterns that I might have missed otherwise. The personal vibe of this project fit perfectly with a laid-back, journal-style format.

The part of the project that required the most effort was consistency. With everything on my plate, work, parenting, coursework, and training a new puppy, finding time each day was not always easy. However, showing up for myself despite those challenges was the most rewarding part. Some days I felt resistant or tired, but I never regretted taking the time once I began. If I were to do this again, I would consider adding a visual or audio component, such as short voice memos or photos of the environment, to more fully capture the sensory experience and emotional tone of each day. This project was not only beneficial for my stress levels, but it also shifted my perspective on what complete relaxation can look like. I plan to continue this mindful practice because it gave me something I had not realized I was missing permission to be still and take in the silence.

MWA 3
Reflection: Why I Chose This Format

 

I decided to present this review as a visual blog post to better
reflect the essence of the subject. Headspace offers a serene
experience, which I aimed to capture in my review. I carefully
selected screenshots to include design elements that highlighted
the app's calming overall aesthetic. The final product is a friendly
and fun collection that's super easy to go through and understand,
making it more accessible for everyone.

The lessons I learned from MWA 1 and MWA 2 helped guide my review.
In MWA 1, I investigated how stress affects physical and emotional
health. It struck me that burnout is often brushed off instead of
tackling the root cause. The studies I talked about helped me see the
real evidence behind what Headspace claims. Then in MWA 2, my
balcony reflection practice gave me a chance to experience
mindfulness up close, without any technology. That personal
experience provided a clear standard against which to evaluate
whether a digital tool could offer the same benefits.

The area where I put in the most effort was synthesizing multiple
layers, research, personal experience, and app evaluation into a
single, cohesive review. I did not want to promote or criticize the
app; I wanted to offer a thoughtful, balanced perspective. If I were
to do this again, I would consider creating a short video
walkthrough or a podcast episode to enhance the experience even
further. Ultimately, this project made me more intentional, not just
in how I write, but also in how I manage my energy, stress, and
attention daily.