Miss Worth

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  beverlyworth 12:07 am on July 8, 2019 Permalink | Reply  

  Approaches for preventing and reducing stress 

  Benson and Caset discuss the manifestation of stress in the body. They discuss the fight or flight response as it applies to both acute stressors and chronic stress. It is argued that the fight or flight response is experiences in both types of stressors. Benson and Caset argue that the best way to become aware of your personal stress responses are to observe your physiological responses when experiencing stress. For example, recognizing when your breathing changes or when your shoulders are tense. Benson and Caset also acknowledge potential benefits to stress, such as productivity. As far as negative effects, Benson and Caset describe various stress-related ailments: both mental and physical. It is argued that stress plays a major role in high blood pressure, immune function, cancer, and asthma. For the mental effects, it is argued that stress plays a major factor in anxiety and depression. Benson and Caset describe several different methods to combat these stress responses, such as mindful breathing, meditation, and physical activity such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong.

  Before reading this article, I had never heard of the practice of qigong. Qigong is an ancient Chinese art that focuses on meditation, breathing, and gentle movement. The focus of this exercise is to ensure that “qi” or energy is balanced and flowing properly. Benson and Caset also cited other forms of stress relief. One that stuck our to me was the beginning stages of mindfulness. The process was described in a way in which it could be executed at work or on a bus. It seemed like a very accessible way to introduce mindfulness.

  Benson and Caset’s article on stress management is relevant to my guiding questions as it discusses both physical and mental responses to acute and chronic stress. Additionally, the article provides multiple methods of stress relief, including various forms of physical exercise.

  Benson, H. & Caset, A. (2019). Stress management: approaches for preventing and reducing stress in Harvard Medical School (Ed.), Harvard Medical School special health reports. Bottom, MA: Harvard Health Publications.

   

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  beverlyworth 12:07 am on July 8, 2019 Permalink | Reply  

  Kids need to get outside 

  Marie Hartwell-Walker’s article “Kids Need to Get Outside” discusses a culture shift within the last 30 years regarding outdoor playtime. 30 years ago, the expectation for children upon their return from school or on a weekend was so spend time outside. Hartwell-Walker argues that this outside time fostered social skills, leadership skills, and strategies for stress management. According to Hartwell-Walker, “Almost half of parents of school age kids worry that their kids aren’t outside enough and wish that it would happen more often. But many admitted that they rely on recess at school to get the kids out into fresh air and group play”. Hartwell-Walker then cites a lack of outdoor play to blame for a multitude of issues including obesity, mood disorders and depression, increased diagnoses of ADHD, and struggles with social skills. She suggests combatting these issues by going outside yourself (as a parent or caregiver), going outside with your children, teaching and modeling for children how to enjoy time away from screens, and to allow room for their imaginations to roam when they claim boredom.

  In reading this article, I learned that ADHD diagnoses have nearly doubled in the last 20 years. Additionally, children on average spend under ten minutes daily engaging in unstructured outside playtime versus over seven hours daily of screen time.

  “Kids Need to Get Outside” is relevant to my research as it discusses positive potential outcomes of physical activity and unstructured playtime as it relates to stress and mental health.

  

  Hartwell-Walker, M. (2019). Kids need to get outside. Psych Central. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/blog/kids-need-to-get-outside/
   
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  beverlyworth 12:06 am on July 8, 2019 Permalink | Reply  

  Exercise as a mental health intervention 

  Callaghan’s article “Exercise: A Neglected Intervention in Mental Health Care?” reviews available information regarding the intersection of exercise and mental health. Callaghan summarizes exercise’s history, reviewing the Olympic Games, mountain climbing, cultural dances, and team sports. It is found that any of these physical activities are positively linked with well-being and mental health. One mental health ailment specifically reviewed is Schizophrenia. Callaghan includes an anecdote of a patient with Schizophrenia who is able to live more independently once given information and plans focused around physical health and well-being. These plans include information about the effects of smoking, drinking, and substance abuse, and an exercise plan. Callaghan argues that “physical exercise improves well-being and mental health, reduces mental illness such as anxiety and depression”, and has a positive effect on cognitive functioning, namely in elderly populations. Although exercise has many clear benefits, it is rarely considered as a valid treatment option for mental health issues.

  From this article, I learned that different forms of physical activity are recommended for different mental health needs. For example, team sports are helpful for feelings of loneliness and isolation, and yoga and hiking are helpful for achieving feelings of connectedness and spirituality. This information is consistent with the views presented on Very Well Mind‘s website. Additionally, Callaghan presents a view that contrasts James Timmons’ lecture; exercise should be utilized as a treatment. James Timmons argues the opposite; exercise should never be prescribed as treatment.

  Callaghan’s article is relevant to my guiding questions in that it describes the effects of exercise on the body and brain. Callaghan specifically emphasizes the potential for utilizing exercise as treatment in mental health care.

  Callghan, P. (2004). Exercise: A neglected intervention in mental health care? Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, (11)476-483.