Online Stress MANAGEMENT 

The purpose of our online program is to support the mission of the Mind and Heart Lab of empowering individuals to improve and maintain control of their emotional and physical wellbeing. Our online program consists of interactive videos and self-reflection activities that have been carefully designed to maximize engagement and understanding of stress. 

 
Our online program is unique in the following ways: 
  • We tailor the images, terminology, and examples used in the videos to match your particular demographics in order to maximize engagement. So, although the relaxation and coping techniques are the same regardless of gender, ethnicity, job title, age and so forth, stressors may dramatically vary among different groups of people. For example, images, language or terminology, and examples used in the videos will be different for factory workers, college students, Veterans, and public school teachers. The more we can tailor the videos to a particular population, the better chance of optimizing engagement and commitment to implementing the techniques. ​
  • In addition to providing instruction for how to implement coping and relaxation techniques, the videos provide a foundational understanding of stress. Examples of topics include types of stress, the role that personality plays in how we deal with stress, physical effects of stress, consequences of unmanaged stressed, and so forth. We feel that the better educated a person is about stress in general, the better chance the person has of making permanent lifestyle changes that will enhance emotional and physical wellbeing long after the program ends.  
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  • Participants may choose from a menu whichever videos they feel would be most beneficial to them. For example, someone who is struggling with resolving conflict at work, may choose to select a video on Conflict Resolution. Someone who has problems with procrastinating might want to select a video on Time Management. Studies have shown that the more control an individual has over their learning experience, the better the learning outcomes. 
 
  • The videos have been created based on sound educational practices. Each video begins with a quote and an additional anticipatory set or “attention-getter” that is designed to grab attention and get participants focused on the topic. Objectives are then clearly stated and key points are included at the end. Because studies indicate that engagement time maxes at about 6 minutes, the videos are between 3 and 6 minutes.
 
  • Because studies have shown that a multi-media approach enhances learning, the videos include multiple types of media such as still images, animations, graphs, charts, and sound effects. ​

The online program can be completed in the privacy of your own home, and can be used alone or as a supplement to the services offered in the Lab. The testimonials below are from former participants of the online program.
You taught me how to manage stress so that I can function on an optimal level in the job setting.  I really feel sorry for all of the CSU students in CA who haven't taken this course. I believe all CSU students should be required to take this course with you because it is so beneficial and I think there would be less college campus related problems that we are seeing more and more in our news today. Thank you, Dr. Fish, you excel at what you do and you are making a positive difference in the lives of college students.
I liked how organized and concise the requirements for this class were ... I also enjoyed the stress- free weekly journals that were very beneficial …. I learned more about stress from this class than I thought I would and it has really helped me to evaluate my stress levels in order to minimize them. This class has also connected me with other resources like YouTube videos and phone Applications that can help with further realizing my stress. I have noticed dramatic changes in my behavior and perception in terms of stress over these past ten weeks. Thank you!
I liked that this class had stress journals and made you think about your life in general. I realized what my stressors were and are on track to steer away from them and deal with my overall stress better than before. I am glad I decided to take this class, I believe it will change my life, I have always struggled with mood swings and now that I know how to deal with them by deep breathing and meditating, I know I can better my life and those around me.