Academic Catalog

ALCB 414Y: STRESS MANAGEMENT

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2022
Units: 0
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Advisory: Students are advised to participate at their own pace and notify the instructor of any personal or physical limitations.
Degree & Credit Status: Non-Degree-Applicable Non-Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: None
Grade Type: Non-Credit Course (Receives no Grade)
Repeatability: Unlimited Repeatability

Student Learning Outcomes

  • At the end of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate at least 1 breathing technique to relieve stress
  • At the end of this course, the student will be able to identify personal examples of stress symptoms. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the various methods that can be used when encountering stressful situations

Description

Intended for the disabled adult to address common manifestations of stress that impact quality of life, including, for example, sleep deprivation, mood imbalances, and a range of physical aches and pains. Central to the course is implementing a personal wellness plan that incorporates proven practices for managing stress.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Identify personal examples of stress symptoms.
  2. Review their understanding of the connections between gentle exercise, mindfulness meditation, and stress reduction.
  3. Participate in stress reduction routines that improve balance, movement efficiency, strength, endurance, flexibility, range of motion, aerobic capacity, proprioceptive awareness, and mood stabilization.
  4. Formulate and track the progress of a personal stress management plan.

Course Content

  1. Identify personal examples of stress symptoms
    1. Students will describe specific markers of stress in their lives—for example, insomnia, digestive pains, tension headaches, mood swings, high blood pressure
    2. At the beginning of each meeting, the instructor will perform an "intake" or "check-in," asking students to report on specific symptoms of stress they hope to address during that session
  2. Review their understanding of the connections between gentle exercise, mindfulness meditation, and stress reduction
    1. The participants will discuss the concepts of "gentle exercise" and "mindfulness meditation," and how these science-based, peer-reviewed practices help disabled adults effectively manage stress
    2. Students will describe what "wellness" means for them personally, and which stress management routines work best for them in optimizing physical, mental, and emotional well-being
  3. Participate in stress reduction routines that improve balance, movement efficiency, strength, endurance, flexibility, range of motion, aerobic capacity, proprioceptive awareness, and mood stabilization
    1. Brief mindfulness meditation session (10 minutes or less)
    2. Low-resistance lifting for major muscle groups through the use of stretch bands or light hand weights
    3. Range-of-motion movements and upper- and lower-body stretches that target the fingers, hands, wrists, arms, neck, shoulders, chest, back, hips, quads, ankles, feet, hamstrings, and other muscle groups
    4. Balance work behind the chair
    5. Breathing exercises
    6. Adapted (seated) tai chi or yoga movements
  4. Formulate and track the progress of a personal stress reduction plan
    1. Design realistic near- and long-term plans for stress reduction
    2. Note milestones for improvement (for example, lowered blood pressure), with feedback and support from the instructor and other participants

Lab Content

Not applicable.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. When taught on campus: accessible classroom.
2. When taught online/virtual: students and faculty need internet access with Zoom-capable computer, monitor and speakers.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Progress on Student Educational Contract
Instructor observation of ability to reflect course material
Participation

Method(s) of Instruction

Lecture

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Selected articles, websites and other reference materials as assigned by instructor.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

Not applicable.

Discipline(s)

Specialized Instruction (Disabled Student Programs and Services): Noncredit