In this lesson, we introduce the physiology of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activation.
Objective
Understand the functioning of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and the workings of the Stress Response, Fight or Flight Response and Relaxation Response.
Description
Explain how the nervous system responds when experiencing stress and give examples of positive triggers for the Stress Response. Describe what happens when stress is perceived to be excessive or threatening. Give examples of conditions that activate the Fight or Flight Response. Explain how the Fight or Flight Response is helpful and under what circumstance it’s harmful. Describe the Relaxation Response and practices that have been shown to initiate it.
Vocabulary
fight or flight response, hyperarousal or acute stress response, relaxation response
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