Stress Management
There seems to be a lot of uncertainty around at the moment, with many of us feeling insecure regarding our jobs and financial security. As you know, I run stress management sessions for individuals and groups, and I have recently launched a self study programme to help you to find ways to make your life easier
Stress related disorders have become increasingly common in our busy culture. The effects can lead to many physical and emotional problems. Disorders such as hypertension and diabetes can be directly linked to high levels of chronic stress. Stress can be defined as the experience of feeling out of control and unable to cope with the pressures of life. Stress affects us physically – feeling exhausted and depleted. Emotionally we feel tense and irritable. This can lead to headaches, stomach problems and skin complaints. We can be affected mentally – being unable to concentrate or sleep well. Stress can also affect our behaviour. All of these manifestations can impact upon our professional and personal lives.
Stress management programmes can be effective in helping us to recognise the causes of our problems, and helpful ways to deal with things. Courses can be adapted to suit the individual or groups. Stress management covers relaxation techniques, time management and dietary suggestions. Stress management may also include other treatments such as massage or yoga. All programmes are personally devised.
£35 per hour, including written programme. Call for more information.
10% discount for NHS workers with current ID.
Yoga reminds us to keep things in perspective, and to maintain a balance. The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, verse 28) says:
‘Do thy work in the peace of yoga and, free from selfish desires, be not moved in success or in failure. Yoga is evenness of mind – a peace that is ever the same.’
This is all easier said than done. Unfortunately, prolonged and uncontrolled stress is the biggest threat to our immune system, making us vulnerable to infections, heart and blood pressure problems, aches and pains, and even cancer.
When we have negative or worrying thoughts;
· Our body prepares itself to fight back (the flight or fight response). This creates an increase in Blood Pressure (which can lead to heart attacks and strokes),
· our breathing becomes rapid and shallow,
· the blood is directed away from the intestines, making digestion sluggish,
· the blood leaves our skin to prepare our large muscles for fighting, and so our skin becomes pale and ages more quickly,
· Our muscles tense up to be able to fight back, and we develop stiffness and aches and pains.
All this can happen just as a result of our worrying thoughts!! The good news is that yoga is perfectly equipped to bring everything back into equilibrium. Bringing about the relaxation response through simple breathing techniques will reverse all of the above stress responses. Stress is defined as being when our daily demands are greater than our ability to cope with the demands. Therefore, some of us will appear to cope better with the same situation.
