PHYSICAL EXERCISE (BENEFITS/EXCESSIVE)/ APPROACH AND AVOIDANCE STRATEGIES

Question 1

PHYSICAL EXERCISE

Answer 1

• It is a natural way to restore our BODY and MIND to a calmer and more relaxed state.
• It doesn’t reduce or remove the stressor BUT prepares our body and mind to cope with the stress.

Question 2

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

Answer 2

• Maintains healthy resting heart rate
• Maintains blood pressure and respiratory rate
• Reduces MUSCLE TENSION (Neck and back pain)
• This form of exercise releases BETA-ENDORPHINS: a hormone that helps reduce pain and stress levels)

Question 3

PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS

Answer 3

• Helps us consciously focus on our breathing which leads to calm feelings like meditation
• Increases serotonin and beta-endorphins (mood lifting chemicals)

Question 4

EXCESSIVE/COMPULSIVE EXERCISE

Answer 4

RISKS:

• Dehydration
• Skeletal injuries
• Depression
• Isolation

Question 5

APPROACH STRATEGIES

Answer 5

• These strategies consists of behavioral and psycholigical responses that target the stressor or response.
• It helps change the way we think about the stressor

PROBLEM BASED:

• Tackle the stressful situation and thereby directly reducing the stress.
• Taking control

EMOTION BASED:

• Reducing the negative emotional response that is associated with the stress.
• When stress is OUTSIDE THE PERSON’S CONTROL.
• EXAMPLE: Meditation, Venting, Emotional disclosure (Able to express strong emotions by writing the negative emotions down).

Question 6

AVOIDANCE STRATEGIES

Answer 6

• Choosing to avoid or escape painful or threatening thoughts that are associated with the stressor.
• EXAMPLE: Denial, giving up, Drinking alcohol - Self destructive behaviours, Withdrawing from others (Decrease social support)

Question 7

DEFINITION: SEROTONIN

Answer 7

• A neurotransmitter (A chemical) that helps a person feel relaxed and happy.
• This is a part of a psychological benefit of physical exercise. It is a mood lifting chemical.

Question 8

DEFINITION: BETA-ENDORPHINS

Answer 8

• It is a chemical that is naturally released in the brain.

- Reduces PAIN and STRESS levels (Links which reduces muscle tension). - A physical benefit