The Development of an Electronic Stress Relief Device that Monitors Physical Activity

Abstract

Stress is often defined as a fight-or-flight response to a situation that is perceived as challenging and anxiety provoking. As a result of stress our body releases hormone known as adrenaline. Numerous studies show that high stress level cause illness mainly because the chemicals secreted by our body during high stress periods are not neutralized. Physical exercise and relaxation (laughter) help to fade away the stress cycle. This paper discusses a 'work in progress' solution for a stress relief system by motivating the users to carry out regular physical activities. The system allows the user to set physical activity levels and monitor their actual results. Physical activity monitoring capability will motivate the user to increase activity levels that will enhance their lifestyle. The aim is to promote regular physical activity and provide relaxation tools such as an MP3 player that can be used to neutralize the affects of stress relating hormones. The stress relief system consists of a wrist watch with built in MP3 player, pedometer and central computer application that seamlessly integrated to a blood pressure monitoring system. Although research could not prove any link between stress and long term hypertension, reducing stress helps reduce hypertension. Regular physical activity is the answer for both stress and hypertension. Being regular with physical activity in today's busy lifestyle is a problem. The system discussed in this paper is a possible solution.This paper highlights a high level conceptual model as due to the commercial sensitivity of this project technical details cannot be revealed at this stage.