2. WHAT IS S T R E S S?
Stress is the mind's & body's reaction to
our perception that circumstances and
events surrounding our lives have
exceeded our ability to cope.
3. Identifying The Symptoms of Stress
• General irritability, hyper-excitation or depression
• Dryness of the throat and mouth
• Impulsive behaviour, emotional instability
• Inability to concentrate, general disorientation
• Feelings of weakness, dizziness, loss of reality
• Fatigue
• Irrational fears
• Emotional tension, sense of being ‘keyed up’
• Trembling, nervous tics
• Tendency to be easily startled
• Nervous, generally high pitched laughter
• Tooth grinding
• Stuttering and speech difficulties
• Insomnia
4. • Sweating
• Frequent urination
• Diarrhoea, indigestion, stomach ailments, vomiting
• Migraine, headaches
• Lower back, neck and chest pain
• Loss of appetite or compulsive eating
• Increased smoking/use of drugs or alcohol
• Nightmares
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• Accident prone behaviour
Can you tick any of the above? If so, you have some stress in
your life. Are you aware?
5. These symptoms can all result in psychosomatic illnesses
such as PHOBIAS, PANIC ATTACKS, HIGH
ANXIETY, ENURESIS, IMPOTENCE, IBS,
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder),
INSOMNIA, DEPRESSION and many other
illnesses.
6. POINTS TO HELP YOU STOP STRESS
START TO BE AWARE
. Once you are aware of the problem you can begin to do something about it. Begin to
take control.
TAKE ON A DIFFERENT ATTITUDE
. If you can’t change a stress inducing situation, change your attitude and regain the initiative.
ORGANISE ALTERNATIVE STRESS FOR YOURSELF
. If you’re desk bound, take up a sport. If you’re athletic, take up a mental challenge.
POSITIVE THINKING IS VITAL
. Thoughts of past successes will reinforce your experience of succeeding. You have succeeded in
the past.
STOP TRYING TO DO MORE THAN ONE JOB AT A
TIME
. If it’s not possible, then prioritise. Then you’ve got an action plan and regain control.
TAKE TIME OUT TO LEARN MENTAL RELAXATION
. Switching off mentally for 20 min. each day will re-stimulate and revitalise you enormously.
REASSES YOUR GOALS
. Are they your own or someone else’s? If they are unrealistic they’ll cause failure and
unhappiness. Set your own agenda.
EXERCISE. This is a great way of relieving stress. It promotes a feeling of well being
through the release of endorphins.
7. SENSE OF HUMOUR IS VITAL. Learn to see the funny side of stressful
situations. Laugh! it’s also good exercise.
STOP THINKING AND START MANAGING YOUR
STRESS NOW. Some of the methods mentioned will appeal more than others. Use those
that suit you best.
8. STRESSORS: What can contribute to
Stress?
WORK ENVIRONMENT: PERSONAL LIFE
• Too much work • Marriage
• Too little work • Moving house
• Promotion • Buying a house
• Restructuring or re-organising • Berevements
• Potential redundancy or demotion • Relationships
• Contract renewal • Having children
• Job title or role • New relationships
• Interviews • Physical health changes
• Appraisals or reviews • Relationship breakup
• Change of management
• Home repairs
• Bullyng or harrassment
• Race or sex descrimination
• Lonliness
• Awkward co-workers • Finances
• Uncomfortable temperature • Children leaving home
• Insuffient lighting • Car maintenance
• Open plan offices • Extended family/In-Laws
• Noisy environment • Family members
• Bad or strong smells • Travelling & commuting
• Neighbours
• New friendships
• Illness in the family
• Illness of pet
9. STRESS FACT:
All of the above all into 4 categories:
1.UNFAMILIAR EVENTS
2.UNEXPECTED EVENTS
3.UNPREDICTABE EVENTS
4.UNCONTROLLABLE EVENTS
The fact is that these events do not have to be
stressful. It is the way in which we perceive these
events that will determine whether or not they
produce stress.
From Oxford Dictionary: Pronunciation: /strɛs/noun
● a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding
circumstances: he’s obviously under a lot of stress [in combination]: stress-related
illnesses
● [count noun] something that causes a state of strain or tension: the stresses and strains of
public life
10. How to manage Stress
The following practices have Stress is something that can be managed
helped people to manage with time and effort.
stress: Mindfulness, a Zen technique is very
● Hypnotherapy helpful in bringing your attention to the
here and now, this very moment.
● Visualisation &
Relaxation techniques So as you read this, be mindful: 'I am
reading about how to manage my stress'.
● Aromatherapy This can help you stay centered in what
● Yoga you are doing, so that you are not living in
the future.
● Meditation
● Excercise Take each day and employ one aspect to
● Proper sleep managing your stress. Will it be that you
don't answer your phone after 7 pm? Will
● Counselling you sit and listen to your relaxation cd?
● Psychotherapy Will you go for a walk in the park?
● Animals
11. The following websites can help you to begin to take
control of your stress:
1. www.mindtools.com An interactive site that helps
you to monitor stress levels
2. www.anxietyuk.org.uk Has a helpline and online
support.
3. www.yogauk.com Everything you need to know.
Find a great yoga class or private instruction.
4. www.general-hypnotherapy-register.
com Qualified and accredited hypnotherapists in
UK.
5. www.anniewhitaker.co.uk Excellent
hypnotherapist in Warwickshire & London
6. www.ninepeachestherapies.com My website!
For Relaxation cd's go to: Sha LeWilante at iTunes for the Best in Relaxation
Sha has a series of cds 'Give Me Relaxation, Confidence, Positivity, Restful Sleep'
12. A word on Hypnosis (Hypnotherapy)
WHAT IS H Y P N O S I S?
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness.
It is a very normal and natural occurrence in our everyday lives.
We all go into trance naturally every day.
Everyone can be hypnotised.
You are not asleep.
You will be semi-aware of everything.
No one will have control over you.
Stage hypnotists are entertainers. They are in ‘show business’.
You are always in control.
You are in a very relaxed state.
Always consult a qualified, licensed, and insured hypnotist.
Beware of people 'pretending' to be a Hypnotherapist. Always ask
how long they've been practicing and ask for insurance and
certificates. Check memberships to accredited associations.