Less Stress, Better Health from Coursera

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Syllabus

Learn With PsycLearn Essentials

This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.

Module 1: Understanding Stress

In the first part of this module, we will introduce you to the Less Stress, Better Health course and present the course’s learning objectives. Then, we will teach you what stress is, first from a physiological perspective, then from a psychological one. After this section, you’ll be able to explain why different people can experience the same situation, but come away with very different amounts of stress. The next lesson will shift to talking about the different types of stressors people can experience. For example, how is having to give a speech in front of a large crowd different from being bullied in school? Finally, we will discuss different common stressors, and end the module with key takeaways and a quiz.

Module 2: The Psychological and Social Consequences of Stress

This module highlights the effects that stress can have on our thoughts, our feelings and our social relationships. From making us irritable to causing the onset of psychological disorders to dissolving friendships, stress can wreak havoc on many aspects of our lives.

Module 3: The Physiological Consequences of Stress

This module focuses on the ways that stress can impact the physiological functioning of our bodies. We will explain the physiology of the stress response in detail, then talk about the effect this response can have on the cardiovascular system. Then, we will learn about how stress impacts the immune system, and the consequences this can have on our health. Finally, we will cover the concept of allostatic load, look at examples of the negative health outcomes that are associated with chronic stress, and talk about the many ways that stress can indirectly affect our health.

Module 4: Coping With Stress and Building Resilience

Now that you have an understanding of what stress is, how it operates, and the types of consequences it can have for your mind and body, it’s time to learn how to counteract it! In this module, we will first talk about scientifically validated ways to decrease the amount of stress that you feel. Then, we will talk about how we can help ourselves function better even when we’re experiencing stress.

Module 5: Course Summary

This module will help you review the important concepts of the course and prepare you for the cumulative quiz. It is broken down by learning objective with each lesson containing key takeaways, key vocabulary, and key visuals relevant to that learning objective. Each lesson also contains a check-up assessment to let you know whether you’ve mastered the material or need further review.

Module 6: Cumulative Quiz

This module contains a quiz covering all of the material in this course. It will count for 30% of your total course grade, so make sure you’ve reviewed the material well. Good luck!

Module 7: Course Resources

This module contains a glossary, course references, and a list of contributors to the course.

PsycLearn Essentials APA Student Resources

This module provides a variety of information and tools from the American Psychological Association (APA) that will help inspire you as you complete your coursework and plan your career goals. Get discounted access to Academic Writer, APA’s online tool for writing effectively, as well as valuable advice that will help you develop and strengthen your skillset for learning success and future employment. Additionally, explore resources on various psychological issues. This module also includes APA resources on scholarly research and writing; a list of sites providing valuable resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion in psychology education and in the professional community; resources on a career in psychology; and links to career opportunities at the APA. You can also view videos that offer tips on dealing with stress.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the physiological and psychological impacts of stress on the body and mind, helping learners understand its consequences and develop strategies for stress management

Provides practical techniques and strategies for coping with stress and building resilience, empowering learners to manage stress effectively

Covers the social consequences of stress on relationships and overall well-being, highlighting its far-reaching effects

Taught by Kyle Smith, who is experienced in the field of stress management and provides a well-rounded perspective

Requires learners to come in with some basic understanding of stress, which may not be suitable for complete beginners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Less Stress, Better Health with these activities:

Review your prior learning about stress and coping mechanisms

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Refreshing your knowledge will help you to understand the course material more easily.

Browse courses on Stress

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Read through your old notes or textbooks.
Take practice quizzes or tests.
Review the key concepts of stress and coping.

Read a book on stress management

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This will provide you with in-depth knowledge and strategies for managing stress.

View Beyond the Relaxation Response: The Stress... on Amazon

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Read the book.
Summarize the key concepts of the book.
Apply the strategies in the book to your own life.

Attend a workshop on stress management

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This will provide you with the opportunity to learn from experts and to practice new skills.

Browse courses on Stress Management

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Search for workshops on stress management.
Register for a workshop.
Attend the workshop.

Five other activities

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Join a study group or online forum to discuss stress and coping strategies

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This will give you the opportunity to learn from others and to share your own experiences.

Browse courses on Stress Management

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Search for study groups or online forums related to stress management and coping skills.
Join a study group or online forum.
Participate in discussions.

Follow guided tutorials on relaxation techniques

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Learning relaxation techniques can be a valuable part of your stress management toolkit.

Browse courses on Relaxation Techniques

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Search for guided tutorials on relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing.
Follow the instructions in the tutorials.
Practice the techniques regularly.

Practice identifying and challenging negative thoughts

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This will strengthen your ability to manage your stress and emotions.

Browse courses on Negative Thoughts

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Identify negative thoughts.
Challenge negative thoughts.
Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts.

Create a journal or blog to track your progress and reflect on your experiences

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This will help you to monitor your progress and to identify areas where you can improve.

Browse courses on Journaling

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Choose a journal or blogging platform.
Set up your journal or blog.
Write regularly about your experiences with stress and coping.
Reflect on your progress and identify areas where you can improve.

Volunteer with an organization that provides stress management services

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This will provide you with hands-on experience and help you to develop your skills.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Search for organizations that provide stress management services.
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Complete any necessary training or orientation.

Career center

Learners who complete Less Stress, Better Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Stress Management Counselor

Stress management counselors help people manage stress and improve their overall health and well-being. This course may be particularly helpful to stress management counselors as it provides a comprehensive overview of stress, its effects on the mind and body, and strategies for managing stress effectively. By taking this course, stress management counselors can enhance their skills in helping their clients reduce stress and improve their quality of life.

See salaries and explore the career path for Stress Management Counselor

Psychologist

Psychologists provide counseling and therapy to individuals and families facing mental health challenges. This course may be helpful to psychologists as it provides an understanding of the psychological and social consequences of stress. By understanding how stress can impact mental health and well-being, psychologists can better support their clients in managing stress and coping with its effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors provide counseling and therapy to individuals and families facing mental health challenges. This course may be helpful to mental health counselors as it provides an understanding of the psychological and social consequences of stress. By understanding how stress can impact mental health and well-being, mental health counselors can better support their clients in managing stress and coping with its effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mental Health Counselor

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help people with disabilities or injuries to improve their ability to perform everyday activities. This course may be helpful to occupational therapists as it provides an understanding of the psychological and social consequences of stress. By understanding how stress can impact mental health and well-being, occupational therapists can better support their clients in managing stress and coping with its effects.

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Health Educator

Health educators promote health and wellness in communities and organizations. This course may be helpful to health educators as it provides an understanding of the psychological and social consequences of stress. By understanding how stress can impact health and well-being, health educators can better develop and deliver programs that help people manage stress and improve their overall health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Social Worker

Social workers help people with social and emotional problems. This course may be helpful to social workers as it provides an understanding of the psychological and social consequences of stress. By understanding how stress can impact mental health and well-being, social workers can better support their clients in managing stress and coping with its effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Counselor

Counselors provide guidance and support to individuals and families facing a variety of challenges. This course may be helpful to counselors as it provides an understanding of the psychological and social consequences of stress. By understanding how stress can impact mental health and well-being, counselors can better support their clients in managing stress and coping with its effects.

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Nurse

Nurses provide care to patients across a wide range of settings. This course may be helpful to nurses as it provides an understanding of the physiological and psychological consequences of stress. By understanding how stress can impact health and well-being, nurses can better care for their patients who are experiencing stress-related health problems.

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Physician Assistant

Physician assistants provide medical care to patients under the supervision of a physician. This course may be helpful to physician assistants as it provides an understanding of the physiological and psychological consequences of stress. By understanding how stress can impact health and well-being, physician assistants can better care for their patients who are experiencing stress-related health problems.

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Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help people with injuries or disabilities to improve their mobility and function. This course may be helpful to physical therapists as it provides an understanding of the physiological and psychological consequences of stress. By understanding how stress can impact the body and movement, physical therapists can better support their clients in recovering from injuries and managing chronic pain.

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Registered Nurse

Registered nurses provide care to patients across a wide range of settings. This course may be helpful to registered nurses as it provides an understanding of the physiological and psychological consequences of stress. By understanding how stress can impact health and well-being, registered nurses can better care for their patients who are experiencing stress-related health problems.

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Doctor

Doctors provide medical care to patients across a wide range of specialties. This course may be helpful to doctors as it provides an understanding of the physiological and psychological consequences of stress. By understanding how stress can impact health and well-being, doctors can better care for their patients who are experiencing stress-related health problems.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. This course may be helpful to pharmacists as it provides an understanding of the physiological effects of stress on the body. By understanding how stress can impact metabolism and drug interactions, pharmacists can better support their patients in taking their medications safely and effectively.

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Dietitian

Dietitians help people make healthy food choices and manage their weight. This course may be helpful to dietitians as it provides an understanding of the physiological effects of stress on the body. By understanding how stress can impact metabolism and eating habits, dietitians can better support their clients in making healthy choices and managing their weight.

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Cardiologist

Cardiologists diagnose and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels. This course may be helpful to cardiologists as it provides an understanding of the physiological effects of stress on the cardiovascular system. By understanding how stress can impact the heart and blood vessels, cardiologists can better care for their patients who are experiencing stress-related cardiovascular problems.

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