Stress Management and Biofeedback Center

Biofeedback uses instruments and software to measure physiological signals from our body such as heart rate, breathing, muscle activity, sweat, and temperature to assist in learning important skills such as relaxation or tension reduction. Many of these natural signals in our body are ignored until we develop a significant problem such as chronic stress, anxiety, or pain. Biofeedback can help increase awareness to our body's response and, with training, improve our ability to regulate emotions and promote well-being. Through monitoring our body's reactions and with consistent practice we are able to develop effective responses to stress.Biofeedback uses instruments to measure biological signals from our body such as heart rate, breathing, muscle activity, sweat, and temperature to train important skills such as relaxation or tension reduction. Most of these natural signals in our body are ignored until we develop a problem such as stress, anxiety, or pain. Biofeedback can increase awareness to our body's response and improve our ability to regulate emotion and promote wellbeing. Through monitoring our body's reactions and consistent practice we are able to develop effective responses to stress.

How Biofeedback Can Help You

NOTE TO ISU INSTRUCTORS

Please contact our staff at least 3-4 weeks in advance if you are interested in having a presentation in your class about biofeedback or if you would like to schedule a tour of the Biofeedback Center (no more than 12 students). Please do not assign your students to complete a biofeedback appointment as part of a class assignment. Our availability for biofeedback training is limited and should be reserved for students interested and needing biofeedback training.

Common Goals of Biofeedback Training

Improve awareness of your mind and body

Promote relaxation in response to stress

Decrease tension, pain, or emotional dysregulation

Improve sleep and overall health

Reduce anxiety, stress, or depression

How to Schedule a Biofeedback Appointment

To initiate biofeedback services you will need to have an assessment and referral appointment in Counseling and Testing Service. Please walk in to 351 Graveley Hall South between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. during summer) to meet with a counselor briefly to discuss your interest in biofeedback services and the counselor will assist you in making a biofeedback appointment at that time based on available appointments. Biofeedback services are FREE and offered only to currently enrolled ISU students.

What to Expect on Your First Appointment

You will be asked to complete a few brief forms about your health and stress-related concerns. You will then collaborate with your biofeedback trainer to develop a plan to meet your goals for biofeedback training. Most individuals begin by completing a stress assessment to determine how your body responds to mild stressful situations and a relaxation profile which helps us see which biofeedback techniques may be most helpful for you. The next training sessions (typically 2-4) will focus on developing specific skills for relaxation or tension reduction utilizing one or several of the following techniques:

Overview of Relaxation Skills

• Autogenics
• Body Scan
• Breathing
• Meditation
• Performance Rehearsal
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Visualization
• STOP – 1-minute Breathing Space

Biofeedback Center Locations

The Stress Management and Biofeedback Center on the Pocatello campus is located next to the Bengal Pharmacy in the Student Health Center. In Idaho Falls, services are provided through Counseling Testing and Career Services in the Bennion Student Union.

Pocatello Campus

University Counseling and Testing Service

Graveley Hall 351

(208) 282-2130

Idaho Falls Campus

Counseling Testing and Career Services

Bennion Student Union - Room 223

(208) 282-7750

Resources

Heart Rate Variability Apps

What is HRV?

iRelief (for iPhone) $2

Paced Breathing (Android)

My Calm Beat (Android)

Free Online Breath Pacers

EZ-AIR Plus

My Calm Beat

Sine Wave

Do As One

Healthy Strategies

Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety

Strategies to Improve Sleep

Relaxation Recordings

Music and Waves Paced Breathing

BYU Biofeedback Services

UCSD Center for Mindfulness

A special thanks and recognition to Barbara Morrell, Ph.D. from BYU's Counseling and Psychological Services for her mentorship and resources in making our Stress Management and Biofeedback Center at ISU possible.

Wellness Symposium

May 9-11, 2018

Click for more informtaion!