Stress
Stress is basically our reaction to pressure.
A certain amount of pressure can actually be a positive thing, helping us to overcome difficulties or problems and to strive to perform tasks to a higher level.
Too much pressure or constant pressure however can lead to mental and physical problems, infact research by mental health charities suggest that over a quarter of people in the uk will at some point in their lives suffer from a mental health problem very often caused by stress.
Since the beginning of time man has had an inbuilt mechanism designed to help us to either fight our way out of a dangerous or stressful situation or to flee from it, this is called the “fight or flight” response.
When we are feeling stressed or under great pressure, our bodies release chemicals designed to help us deal with the “Fight or Flight” situation, if these chemicals are not used up by either fighting or fleeing the situation they stay in the body causing an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, sweating and a decrease in the efficiency of the immune system.
So it is not surprising that people suffering from stress on a day to day basis will tend to experience health problems either mentally/emotionally or physically.
How can we reduce stress?
There are many ways of reducing our stress levels, some of which are to actually change the situation that is causing the stress, or if this is not possible we can sometimes try to change our attitude to certain situations to enable us to cope better, this is something that can be achieved over a period of time. Taking more exercise, cutting down on drinking alcohol and smoking, eating more healthily, getting out and taking in more fresh air or if you feel the need, going to a counsellor to discuss any particular problems you may be going through can also be helpful.
Stress consultations
During consultation with me a client can learn various techniques for reducing stress and anxiety which they can practice easily in their own time; these can include breathing and relaxation exercises or possibly simple visualisation and meditation techniques. This can be followed by one of a range of stress reduction treatments which aim to harmonise and balance the mind, body and spirit, leaving the client feeling calmer, more relaxed and with a greater sense of wellbeing.