STRESS MANAGEMENT

Sharon trained as a stress consultant with the British School Of Yoga. She is a Member of the Association of Stress Consultants in the U.K.

Stress is a response our body makes to certain situations and demands.
Examples:
Presentations
Visit to the dentist.
Unrealistic demands on our time.
Demand------exceeds the resources------stress results.

Some stress is very necessary for our survival and growth. It boosts our creativity and gives us an interest in life. Life is then in balance.

STRESS OVERLOAD

The result of too much stress is:
Emotional and physical exhaustion.
Feeling of being out-of-control.
If you are in permanent overdrive, eventually a breakdown will occur.

This in turn may lead to:
Reliance on sleeping pills and tranquillizers.
Alcohol abuse.
Chain smoking.
Signs of aggression may be seen. Or the person may become withdrawn. Left untreated these symptoms can lead to severe depression accompanied by physical conditions e.g. heart problems.

Examples of positive stress:
Feeling confident.
Feeling exhilarated by being competitive.
Being involved in a new love affair!

Examples of negative stress:
Being in traffic jams.
Computer breakdown
Sick member of the family.

Some emotional symptoms of stress:
Anger
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Hopelessness
Guilt
Aggression

Some mental symptoms of stress:
Poor concentration
Poor self-esteem
Memory loss
Fatigue

Some physical symptoms of stress:
Tension in muscles
Dry mouth
Stiff jaw

THE TREATMENTS

Sessions are conducted in a safe, private environment.
Deep relaxation techniques are used e.g. guided meditations.
“Talking” is encouraged.
Breathing exercises.
Physical relaxation is discussed, along with massage techniques, visualizations, and affirmations.