In this online unit you will learn about a range of contemporary approaches to managing stress and enhancing wellbeing which can be applied by individuals. As a foundation, you will learn about stress, coping, well-being and happiness, considering different models used in psychology to explain these concepts. Then you will explore the theory, evidence base, and practice of a range of approaches used to manage stress and enhance wellbeing within a self-care context. These approaches are grouped into three themes:
1. lifestyle (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, leisure and relaxation, social connections, digital health)
2. mindfulness (everyday mindfulness, formal mindfulness and meditation, compassion and self-compassion) and
3. positive psychology (gratitude, acts of kindness, character strengths, meaning, flow and creativity).
Throughout the unit, there is a focus on learning to adopt healthy thoughts and behaviours as part of a self-care approach, and developing skills in applying the scientist-practitioner model to reflect on claims regarding approaches to managing stress and enhancing well-being. In each weekly online module, content is presented via text, images, videos, and audio recordings, along with interactive online learning activities. Readings focus on research articles and reports which provide an evidence base for the approaches discussed in the unit. There are multiple opportunities for both structured and informal interactions with your teacher and peers throughout the semester, in both synchronous and asynchronous modes. In practical activities and assessments, you will discuss, apply, and reflect on the techniques discussed in the unit content.