The Body as a Machine: The Human Stress Response

---

This is the fourth session in The Wellness Project: Using the Breath in Stress Management

This module encompasses the mechanics of the human stress response to include the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous systems, and Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), also known as the faucet of stress hormones. We will explore the important indicator of heart rate variability (HRV) as well as introduce the Polyvagal Theory.

Objectives:

1. Differentiate the function of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
2. Identify 3 physical manifestations of the human stress response of the autonomic nervous system: fight / flight vs. rest / digest
3. Describe the role of heart rate variability on stress and overall health of an individual.

Research: Research information about this session can be found on the following websites:

• https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00127
• https://salud-america.org/toxic-stress-and-its-lifelong-health-consequences/
• https://psychscenehub.com/psychinsights/neurobiology-of-stress-and-resilience/

Target Audience: This program is accessible to all individuals and professionals interested in gaining a deeper insight to mental health wellness for themselves and to support others.