Wiki Page, HLTH 101: Health for Adult Living: Module 3: Managing Stress - Overview

Wiki Page
2014-07-03T13:07:56-06:00

Week 3 Overview

Module 3: Managing Stress

Introduction

The connection between the breath and relaxation or tension is strong. Focusing on breathing, something we do every day, is an effective way to cope with stress.

"Whether sensing danger from external stressors or from disturbing thoughts within, the body reacts to protect itself. This is called the 'fight, flight, or freeze' mechanism, which involves a whole range of automatic reactions…. Anger, fear, sedentary work, the pace of fast-food restaurants, and the nightly news - to name a few - may cause a dramatic change in your breathing.

"Slowing down, attuning to the breath, taking a few deep inhalations and exhalations will assist you in releasing the unnecessary distress that builds up so easily.” - John Travis, Wellness Workbook

Outcomes

Determine how stress affects your health

Practice a stress reduction technique

Discuss healthy strategies for coping with stress

Checklist

Read Chapter 2 and section 7.14 from the Wellness Workbook.

1. Try at least two of the breathing exercises from the text:

1. The 3 breathing exercises on 31-32.

2. “I am Relaxed” on page 35.

3. “Cleaning House” on page 37.

4. “Breathing with Every Cell” on page 39.