| TCA Stage | Report | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student | Atman McMillan | ||||||||
| Entry ID | 6010 | ||||||||
| Date Created | April 30, 2023 | ||||||||
| Date Updated | April 30, 2023 | ||||||||
| Advisor | Uma East | ||||||||
| Core Module Name | Stress Management | ||||||||
Plan Information | |||||||||
| Selected key teaching (specific core concept): | Reframe yoga techniques as stress management. Provide a yoga nidra session as a yoga neutral guided relaxation in the workplace. | ||||||||
| Goal for implementation with client (Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound relating to the client): | Seek participants for a guided relaxation (AKA yoga nidra) session. Rate pre-stress level, discuss stress, stressors, and stress response, practice guided meditation, and rate post-stress level. | ||||||||
| Relevant Client(s) Details | A class of 14 students facing the hardest exam of their school chose the yoga nidra relaxation over a hatha practice. They were all active duty or reserve military members ranging in age from 18 to 34 in "fit for full duty" status meaning there are no conditions restricting them from training, exercise, or boat duty. There were 2 members who previously served overseas in support of war operations and 1 prior service Marine having served directly in war operations. | ||||||||
| Session Outline |
| ||||||||
Report Information | |||||||||
| How did you envision working with the client(s) to incorporate the selected teaching? (Define the plan) | The plan is to provide a 20-minute yoga nidra session to military members with an assessment of stress level (on a scale of 1 to 10 described as 1 being almost no stress and ready to go to bed to 10 being ready to explode with stress) both prior to and following the session. An introduction to yoga nidra would be provided with instructions and the pre-assessment of stress prior to the practice. A closing would be held following the practice collecting post-assessment stress ratings and a chance to reflect on the practice and ask questions. | ||||||||
| What branch(es) of IY did you use? How does each support your goal/relate to the key teaching? | The yoga nidra practice is generally considered a part of the hatha yoga branch with all physical practices, but also falls into the raja yoga branch with the meditative nature and clearing and focusing of the concentration. | ||||||||
| Short notes on time with client: | S: Most of their reflections centered around how relaxed and calm they were and surprised at how quick it happened. Many asked when we could do it again and how they can practice it on their own. O: Some started out moving at the beginning of the practice; however, they were all motionless by the end. A: They all found relaxation based on their statements, body language, and reduced stress scores. | ||||||||
| Follow up suggestions for your client (whether with you or on their own): | I offered follow-up sessions with the clients as well as some resources for practicing yoga nidra on their own. I reminded them of the importance of self-care to be better prepared to serve in the military and optimal performance. | ||||||||
| Reflection | |||||||||
| Did you apply your intended plan once you met with the client(s)? Was the goal achieved? Explain. | The intended plan was followed except for some slight time adjustments. Since the volunteers became all students and they have a 45-60 fitness window, I shifted from a 20-minute yoga nidra to a 30-minute yoga nidra. I also spend more time than anticipated with the conclusion (post-assessment and questions) due to many questions and interest in the practice. Yes, the goal was absolutely achieved evidenced by both the subjective (reduced stress scores and reflections after practice) and objective data (reduced physical movement and relaxation during the practice). | ||||||||
| Did you have to adapt anything in your plan? What lessons did you learn? | I hadn't initially thought about blankets or the room temperature for yoga nidra as we usually practice yoga in the base gym. I directed them to wear their heavier PT uniform, sweatshirt and sweatpants, the night before. I also used a vacant classroom which was carpeted and warmer than the gym with hard floors. The practice was very successful even without a "fancy" studio with a variety of props to use. | ||||||||
| If you are faced with the same situation again in the future, would you approach it in the same way? Why or why not? What went well? What you might change and why? Summarize. | I would absolutely return to yoga nidra again for clients that need relaxation, especially those with anxiety, high stress response and/or post-traumatic stress (STS). In research review for this TCA, there was limited yoga nidra data outside the military environment without PTS and/or PTSD. One such study selected a group of 60 college professors with slightly higher ages as subjects and divided them between yoga nidra, traditional meditation, and a control group. I learned from Ferreira-Vorkapic (2018) that the yoga nidra had a notable reduction in anxiety than the traditional meditation group. This reinforces the guideline I've used in teaching trauma-conscious yoga that I never have more then 3 minutes of silence, and instead utilizing various forms of guided meditations for relaxation. Based on the study and results, I would consider traditional meditation with those not exhibiting anxiety, stress, and/or PTS. Ferreira-Vorkapic, C., Borba-Pinheiro, C. J., Marchioro, M., & Santana, D. (2018). The Impact of Yoga Nidra and Seated Meditation on the Mental Health of College Professors. International journal of yoga, 11(3), 215–223. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoy.IJOY_57_17 | ||||||||
| Will you be uploading suplimental images or documents? | No | ||||||||
| Upload supplemental images or documents | |||||||||
| Other Entries from this Student |
|
Admin – TCA Workspace
