Stress Management

Stress is the number one cause of physical and mental illness around the world. Find out how it impacts on the human body and learn management strategies and relaxation skills through studying this course.

Course Code: VPS100
Fee Code: S1
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification Statement of Attainment
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STRESS & LIFESTYLE

Stress is modern man's constant enemy. As life becomes more and more hectic, people work longer hours under greater time constraints over global time zones. With less recreation time, more and more people struggle to cope with their stress levels. However, with proper self-awareness and management techniques stress levels can be lowered, perceptions altered, and responses improved.

In this course we deal with physical problems related to stress, how to achieve easy living, dealing with drugs, developing self esteem, relaxation, diet and much more.

LEARN HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS

  • Learn how to relax
  • Learn how to manage stress: find a way out of life's problems
  • Discover the links between physical and mental health problems and short or long term stress 
  • Apply your knowledge to help others

This course may be suitable for professional development or personal development - help others, or help yourself.

The course develops your ability to manage stress or help others to manage stress at work, at home and across the whole life spectrum. Whatever your purpose in studying stress management; there are benefits to be had for both yourself and others.

Reducing stress will undoubtedly improve your overall wellbeing; reduce your risk of ill health and improve your ability to deal with other people throughout your daily life.

 

Lesson Structure

There are 8 lessons in this course:

  1. Body Changes
    • Modern Day Stressors including Controls, Complexity, Competition and Computers.
    • Symptoms and Affects of Stress
    • Muscle Responses to stress
    • The Gastrointestinal Response to stress
    • The Cardiovascular Response to stress
    • The Skin Response to stress
    • The fight or flight response
    • Stress Effects on Wellbeing
    • Stress and the immune system
    • Developing a Stress Management Response Program
  2. Easy Living
    • Workaholics
    • Symptoms of Stress, including Confusion, Depression, Changes in sleeping, eating or sexual habits, Mood changes and drugs
    • Determining the Cause of Stress
    • Deciding How to Deal with Stresses
    • Stress Terminology
    • Understanding Self Image
    • Tips for Relaxation e.g. Massage, Aromatherapy, Relaxation, Hobbies, etc
    • Controlling Stress
    • Too Little Stress is bad too
  3. Pills and Alcohol
    • Understanding Alcohol
    • What is Too Much Alcohol
    • Over the Counter or Non Prescription Drugs
    • Drugs Prescribed by a Doctor
    • Illegal Drugs
    • Seeking help
  4. Self Esteem
    • What is Self esteem
    • Realistic Expectations
    • Altering Your Perception
    • Social Support
    • Building Self Esteem in Others
  5. Managing Your Own Career
    • Work Satisfaction
    • Managing a Career
    • Reviewing Your Career
    • Standing Out and Progressing
  6. Security and Decision Making
    • Self assurance
    • Developing Security and Self Assurance
    • Analyzing Ourselves
    • Decision making
    • Strategy
    • Problem solving
  7. Relaxation and Nutrition
    • Relaxation
    • Nutrition; we are what we eat
    • Dietary Fibre, Vitamins and Minerals, and a Balanced Diet
    • Problems of Nutrition and Diet
    • Weight loss
    • Tips for Healthy Eating
  8. Personality and Stress
    • Relationship between Personality and Stress
    • Personality Types -Type A and Type B personalities
    • Introvert
    • Extrovert
    • Personal style inventory -How to Determine Personality Type

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

  • Identify changes that occur to the body as stress develops.
  • Identify the relationship between lifestyle and stress.
  • Discuss the impact of legal drugs on the psychology of a person.
  • Discuss the importance of self esteem in minimizing stress.
  • Determine options for career management that will minimize potential for stress.
  • Identify and address security issues that impact on stress levels.
  • Identify aspects of relaxation and nutrition in a person’s life that may impact upon stress levels.
  • Identify the relationship between stress and personality type.

DEALING WITH STRESS

There are lots of different ways of dealing with stress. Methods that work for one person, don't always work for others.. Here are some techniques that might be used to deal with your stress:


Straight Thinking 

Sometimes our thinking can lead us into stress.  It has been found that when an event causes a stressful response in an individual, that it is often the belief system of that person that resulted in that response.  The way to combat this is to dispute and challenge those beliefs (the belief that I don’t have what it takes to keep running after one kilometre). 


Life Planning

A lack of planning for tasks that we must complete can result in anxiety.  By planning and structuring tasks we can get them out of the way before they lead us into a sense of anxiety and frustration.  We can learn to relax without having thoughts about a task we have not completed looming over us.


Goal Setting

Setting realistic goals is another way to avoid stress.  Some people do not set any goals at all, and yet others set goals which are far too high and unachievable.  Both these techniques can result in stress.  Goals can, and should be, broken down into short-term and long-term goals.  Short term goals generally being the progressive stepping stones to a final larger long term goal.  Breaking down long term goals in this way can make them seem much more achievable, which also boosts motivation. 
 

Communication

Another strategy of coping and stress management is communication.  It is really helpful to communicate and discuss what is causing the stress with someone – friend, partner, co-worker, or therapist.  In communicating and discussing the issue clarity to situation as well as an idea to create a healthy outcome can result. 
It can also be beneficial to hear feedback and advice from someone with a different perspective. 

   

Exercise

Some people get a great deal of psychological as well as physical benefit from high intensity exercise such as aerobics, cycling, running, weight lifting and club sports. Other people find the thought of such exercise less than relaxing. However, exercise is an important component of healthy living. Try Pilates or yoga, walking or Latin/salsa dancing classes. Tai Chi is another excellent relaxing exercise option.

If you have trouble attending a gym, organise a walking group, if you live close to work try walking or cycling instead of driving. Join a mothers group and walk with your child in a pram. Family activities, such as throwing a Frisbee, playing soccer or playing at the park are all great social forms of exercise. If you have a lot of housework to do, it can also be a great work out!

Work at a more rapid pace to raise your heart rate and you will increase your cardiovascular fitness and release endorphins. Exercise will also help build up your stamina, relieving feelings of lethargy.

When primitive man came face to face with a dangerous animal, his body was at once prepared for action. His pulse raced, his blood pressure soared and a sudden outpouring of the stress hormones, adrenalin and noradrenalin, released into his blood stream a flow of sugar and fatty acids to fuel muscular activity.

 

Massage
 
Massage is one of the most effective ways of relaxing and relieving stress   particularly as muscular tension is a major manifestation of that stress. Techniques are many and varied, but it is not necessary to have any specialised training to give effective massage. After all, massage is effective if it makes the recipient feel good; so try to find those things which achieve this aim and you will be doing all that is required.

Some types of massage include:

  • Relaxation   Simple soothing massage, may use aromatherapy or other similar techniques
  • Sports/Deep Tissue   A firm massage, can sometimes be painful, but generally very effective
  • Lymphatic   A specialised massage helping to stimulate the lymphatic system, moving toxins out of the tissues, into the lymph system to be excreted.
  • Aromatherapy   Any form of massage can incorporate aromatherapy.  Aromatherapy itself can involve the use of scented herbs in massage oil, or to scent the massage room.  Different herbs can stimulate blood flow, calm the mind or promote a sense of wellbeing.
  • Polynesian   A particular massage style involving Hawaiian/Polynesian techniques, often with aromatherapy and sometimes music.
  • Remedial   Massage to relieve symptoms of an injury, or to assist in the repair of an injury

There are lots of other types of massage.  The most important thing is to find a qualified masseur using a technique that makes you feel relaxed, or to take a course in massage so that you can massage parts of your body, or massage others. Massaging others can often be a relaxing activity itself for some people.  While professional massage is very beneficial, massage can be a great way to treat your partner, particularly if they are stressed.  It can promote intimacy and is a great way to enhance your relationship, reducing relationship stresses and enjoy relaxation time together.

 


IDENTIFY THE CAUSE AND DEAL WITH IT

A stressor is any thing that causes a person stress. Each of us have different stressors, what one person considers stressful another may consider challenging, or unimportant.

Our goals, our lifestyle, our beliefs, perceptions, personality, family and friend supports and attitudes together determine what we individually find stressful. If a person believes that they must make a lot of money to be successful, then their bank account may be a stressor, however someone who places less value on money is less likely to be bothered by their account balance as readily.

The big C's of urban stress are: Controls, Complexity, Competition and Computers. For many of us the hours we work, how we perform tasks, how we organize our day even how we dress is controlled by an employer. The tasks we must perform at work, interacting with new technologies, different world regions, over increasingly diverse job requirements, along with the balancing of work and family life are all issues of great complexity that cause most people some degree of stress. The competitive nature of business, competition for a job, promotion, partner, for your car space, when purchasing a home, between family members and friends is another major source of stress for many people.

Finally there are computers. In the past 20 years they have come into their own, making many of our recreation and job tasks much less tedious, as well as quicker and easier to perform. However, as the components, software and peripherals go out of date so quickly, people are not only having to maintain their vocational skills, but also their computer literacy. Most computer users have at some stage been confronted by a computer that freezes in the middle of an important task, that for no apparent reason deletes their data and crashes, printers that wont print, instructions with so much jargon you have no idea how to turn a piece of equipment on, let alone use it and new software interfaces that take time and patience to comprehend. For all their benefits, computers bring with them a myriad of complex problems that invariably cause their owner/user stress.

The imbalance between work and private life is a modern dilemma. Parents must work to support their families, and either the father works enormous hours to allow the mother to stay at home to care for the children, or the mother returns to work to supplement the household income. Either way there is stress. People are becoming increasingly sedentary, with little time to exercise, play sports and socialize with friends. When people do have time, they are often so stressed and exhausted from work that they simply do not have the energy to pursue hobbies and recreation.

The pressure to find a partner and have children, especially for women can sometimes make socializing a stressful activity in itself. Many people have their lives, particularly their family life and relationships and their finances so delicately balanced that are constantly living in fear of failure, or simple changes in circumstance that would finally break them.

The result is mental breakdown or other mental illnesses, family breakdown, job loss, bankruptcy and in the most serious cases, suicide. Prolonged high stress levels are linked to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart attacks and anxiety disorders, alcoholism and associated liver disease and chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, digestive disorders, headaches and poor immune system function (repeatedly getting colds and flus and any other ‘bug’ that is going around).

How This Course Could Help You

Stress is probably the single most significant cause of ill-health, both physical and mental. It costs economies billions in lost productivity and revenue, and can ultimately cost people their lives. This course works through the physiological, emotional and psychological elements of stress and how they affect us. It reviews poor coping mechanisms and provides insights into adaptive strategies for combating stress.

This course is designed to be of value to people working in, or hoping to work in:

  • Counselling
  • Psychotherapy
  • Psychology
  • Social work
  • Nursing
  • Caring roles
  • Health professions
  • Alternative therapies

Whilst most people who study this course will do so to learn strategies to help others to cope with stressful situations and life events, others may choose to study it to find better ways to deal with their own stress levels.

 

ACS is an Organisational Member of the Association for Coaching (UK).
ACS is an Organisational Member of the Association for Coaching (UK).
ACS is a Member of the Complementary Medicine Association.
ACS is a Member of the Complementary Medicine Association.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
 Principal John Mason is a member of the ANZMH. ACS Students are invited to join
Principal John Mason is a member of the ANZMH. ACS Students are invited to join

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

You can pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Afterpay or bank transfer.

Yes! We have payment plans for most courses. Click 'enrolment options' to see the available payment plans.
We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).


What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.


What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.


What if I change my mind?

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).

If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.




Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.





Tutors

Meet some of the tutors that guide the students through this course.

Melissa Leistra

Melissa has a Masters Degree in Human Nutrition from Deakin University and Bachelor's degree specialising in personal development, health and physical education. She has enjoyed teaching Hospitality in the areas of commercial cookery and food and beverage. Her experience includes 16 years teaching health and nutrition and working in the hospitality industry. Melissa enjoys living a self-sustainable lifestyle on a farm and raising all types of animals. She is an experienced vegetarian/vegan cook and loves to create wholesome food using her slow combustion wood stove.

Graham Anderson

Graham Anderson B. Mech Eng (hons) Dip. Health

Graham has spent his life in the farming and agriculture industry, particularly carving a niche in the avocado sector with experience ranging from tissue culture, to nursery management to fruit marketing. He has an engineering qualification and an extensive range of mechanical skills which are now diversifying to an understanding of our internal mechanics in health and psychology with qualifications underway.

Tracey Jones

Tracey has over 20 years experience within the psychology and social work field, particularly working with people with learning disabilities. She is also qualified as a teacher and now teaches psychology and social work related subjects.

She is a book reviewer for the British Journal of Social Work. Tracey has also written a text book on Psychology and has had several short stories published.

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