Stress Psychophysiology
Purposes:
1.To explain the influences of stress on biological changes
2.To explain stress and illness
3. To teach relaxation technique: deep breathing
Content
Influences of Stress on Biological Changes
When we are dealing with stress, we have several biological changes, e.g. the autonomic nervous system and adrenal cortex system will increase secretion, heart rate and blood pressure will increase, pupils will dilate, muscles will become tense and perspiration will increase, the rate of breathing and metabolism will increase, glucose will increase, etc.
Stress and Illness
Stress can lead to the following illnesses: hypertension, coronary heart disease, ulcers, rheumatoid, etc. It can increase blood pressure and serum cholesterol. Moreover, stress can decrease the effectiveness of immunlogical system. Furthermore, stress can increase muscle tension and bracing, and thus causing headaches, backaches, neck and shoulder pain.
Relaxation Technique -- Deep Breathing
Before practising deep breathing, we have to ensure that the environment is quiet, the temperature and the light are suitable. We have to sit or lie on a comfortable position, turn off our mobile phone and pager, and then close our eyes. Teacher and students can lie on the floor or sit in the chair, inhale a deep breath of air, hold it, and then use their mouth and nose to exhale the air slowly. Practise it for several times.
Class Activities
1. Two or three students can be divided into groups and discuss their biological reactions when they are under stressful situations.
2. Teacher explains the influences of stress on biological changes.
3. Teacher explains the illnesses caused by stress.
4. Practise deep breathing.
Teaching Materials
1. Literature: Stress Psychophysiology
2. Literature: Deep Breathing
Lesson 3: Stress Intervention: Intrapersonal
Lesson 4: Stress and Performance & Stress Intervention: Interpersonal
Please click here to download Stress Management text. (MS Word).