CLINICAL RELAXATION THERAPY COURSE (Module 1) : STRESS VERSUS RELAXATION- Art and Science of Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing (DDB)

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Stress is not detrimental to health and is often misunderstood. Health is only compromised when coping strategies are insufficient to deal with perceived levels of stress. As the pace of life speeds up and uncertainty grows, the ability to cope can decrease. Stress is a necessary part of life and can be detrimental or positive to our health. This session defines stress and clarifies a common misconception about stress. It examines relaxation and describes therapeutic principles of relaxation as self-controlled, coping skills. Participants learn how to practice deep diaphragmatic breathing personally and have opportunities to experience effects of relaxation via DDB.  

Learning objectives

1.  Identify the effects of stress on health

2.  Understand the effects of relaxation on health

3.  Practice DDB

Session Outline

This session:

• defines stress, distress and eustress
• explains the role of relaxation on homeostasis and wellbeing
• identifies relaxation therapy as an evidence based, efficacious intervention
• includes practical components in the why, how and when to practice DDB
• offers experience in DDB relaxation exercises