Don'T Stress About It A Primer On Stress And Applications For Evidence-Based Stress Management Interventions In The Recreational Therapy Setting

The purpose of this article is to provide foundational knowledge of stress, explore relevant literature, and provide applied examples of stress management interventions in the recreational therapy setting. Historical components of stress are examined, including Han Selye, a pioneer in understanding stress, the general adaptation syndrome, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. This paper also reviews the interconnectedness between chronic stress effects and clients physiological, emotional, and behavioral responses. Three evidence-based stress management interventions-diaphragmatic breathing, guided imagery, and autogenic training-that recreational therapists (RTs) can implement are presented with applied examples for sustainable practice. Specific benefits for each intervention, including noteworthy studies to reference for particular populations and settings, are included. Clinical implications, methods for implementation, and future research needs for the stress management practices are discussed. The article highlights how evidence-based stress management modalities are effective, readily available, and appropriate for RTs in a variety of settings.