learned patterns of responding, and existing conditions, such as leading causes of death in the United States.include the following:Stress is a part of our everyday lives. It can be positive or nega-tive, but it cannot be eliminated. Keeping stress at a manageable level is a lifelong process.havioral manifestations of stress. Various methods of relaxation that can be dangerous over long periods. Indeed, the stress re-sponse has been shown to be a major contributor, either directly or indirectly, to coronary heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidental injuries, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide—six of the ● health status, coping strategies, and adequate support systems.an individual experiences in response to stress is related to cer-tain predisposing factors, such as characteristics of temperament with which he or she was born, past experiences resulting in stress response in some individuals. The degree of anxiety that Relaxation therapy is an effective means of reducing the Individuals under stress respond with a physiological arousal RELAXATION THERAPYDeep-Breathing Exercises: Deep relaxation can counteract the physiological and be-seconds, then exhaling slowly through the mouth, pursing and deeply through the nose, holding the breath for a few sible. Deep-breathing exercises involve inhaling slowly the lips as if trying to whistle.lungs are allowed to breathe in as much oxygen as pos-Tension is released when the APPENDIX F ●^575
2 2506_Appendix_F_570-579.indd 575 506 _AppendixF 570 - 579 .inddMeditation: Progressive Relaxation: 5 attention is concentrated solely on one thought or object. attention. It brings on a special state of consciousness as laxation is based on the premise that the body responds ing and relaxing of the muscle.relaxation within the muscle, rather than the actual tens- 7 laxation of the muscles by concentrating on the feeling of rate, and blood pressure decrease. The overall metabolism declines, and the need for oxygen consumption is reduced.technique (called occupied with the selected focus, the respiration rate, heart music may facilitate relaxation. A modifitions between the two conditions. Soft, slow background the individual concentrates on the difference in sensa-and then relaxed for 20 to 30 seconds, during which time tension. Each muscle group is tensed for 5 to 7 seconds to anxiety-provoking thoughts and events with muscle During meditation, as the individual becomes totally pre- 5 The goal of meditation is to gain mastery over passive progressive relaxationThis method of deep-muscle re- ed version of this ) involves re-10/1/10 9:30:42 AM 10 / 1 / 10 9 : 30 : 42 AM