What is Stress?

Why its important to manage your stress

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.

• 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

Identifying The Symptoms of Stress

• 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?

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.

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.

POINTS TO HELP YOU STOP STRESS

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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: • Too much work • Too little work • Promotion • Restructuring or re-organising • Potential redundancy or demotion• Contract renewal• Job title or role• Interviews• Appraisals or reviews• Change of management• Bullyng or harrassment• Race or sex descrimination• Awkward co-workers• Uncomfortable temperature• Insuffient lighting• Open plan offices• Noisy environment• Bad or strong smells

STRESSORS: What can contribute to Stress?

PERSONAL LIFE

• Marriage• Moving house• Buying a house• Berevements• Relationships • Having children• New relationships• Physical health changes• Relationship breakup• Home repairs• Lonliness• Finances• Children leaving home• Car maintenance• Extended family/In-Laws• Family members• Travelling & commuting• Neighbours• New friendships• Illness in the family• Illness of pet

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

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.

How to manage StressThe following practices have helped people to manage stress:●Hypnotherapy●Visualisation &

Relaxation techniques●Aromatherapy● Yoga●Meditation● Excercise● Proper sleep● Counselling● Psychotherapy●Animals

Stress is something that can be managed with time and effort. Mindfulness, a Zen technique is very helpful in bringing your attention to the here and now, this very moment. So as you read this, be mindful: 'I am reading about how to manage my stress'. This can help you stay centered in what you are doing, so that you are not living in the future. Take each day and employ one aspect to managing your stress. Will it be that you don't answer your phone after 7 pm? Will you sit and listen to your relaxation cd? Will you go for a walk in the park?

For Relaxation cd's go to: Sha LeWilante at iTunes for the Best in RelaxationSha has a series of cds 'Give Me Relaxation, Confidence, Positivity, Restful Sleep'

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 levels2. 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!

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.

©Copyright 2012 Sha LeWilantewww.ninepeachestheapies.com

For further information about how to manage stress, contact me at: info@ninepeachestherapies.com Sign up for my newsletter on the website and get the latest updates for workshops, talks, seminars and presentations.