SM: Relaxation Techniques Flashcards

Relaxation

To make less tense or rigid, or relieve from nervous tension.

Subjectivity

To make less tense or rigid; to relieve from nervous tension

Physiological Relaxed State

• opposite of stress response

• PNS dominant

• Decreased alertness

• Constricted pupils

• Slow & deep breathing

Physiological Stressed State

• SNS dominant

• “fight or flight”

• increased alertness

• dialted pupils

• increased breathing rates

• accelerated heart rate

• inhibited digestion

• increased muscle tone

Mind-Body Connection

The concept that mental and emotional factors can influence physical health.

Relaxation Techniques

Methods used to reduce stress and promote relaxation, including meditation and yoga.

Randomized Controlled Trials

Studies that randomly assign participants into treatment or control groups, considered the gold standard in research.

Critical Eye

The ability to analyze information thoughtfully and determine its validity.

Chronic Stress

A prolonged and constant feeling of stress that can negatively affect health.

Mindfulness

A mental practice of focusing one’s awareness on the present moment.

Quality over Quantity

It's essential to prioritize the design and quality of studies rather than sheer numbers of publications.

When evaluating studies, consider the following questions

• Is the source trustworthy?

• Check if it is a peer-reviewed journal or a news outlet with potential biases.

• Study Parameters:

• How many participants were involved?

• Was there a control group?

• What was the intervention compared against?

• Are the results clinically significant?

• Duration of results?