Most stress is a normal part of life but prolonged or more serious stress can have an enormous impact on mental and physical health.  Warning signs of too much stress, or distress, include irritability, headaches, stomach churning, and prolonged physical tension especially in the shoulders, poor concentration, edginess and anxiety.  If the warning signs are not recognised symptoms may become chronic and lead to illnesses requiring medical attention.  A number of diseases are influenced by stress.  Stress related illnesses include migraine headaches, psoriasis, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, heart attack, rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure.  Experts estimate that up to 80% of illnesses are stress related.  Stress imposes undue wear and tear on the body.  It reduces resistance to disease, precipitating an illness directly such as heart attack or by aggravating an existing illness such as arthritis or psoriasis. 

 

Stressful events in themselves may not be harmful what is needed are coping skills to manage and deal with stress.  Pauline provides individual sessions to address the issues for each client this includes identifying and understanding the causes of their stress and how it is affecting their lives, health and well being.  Clients are able to consider changes that will lead to an improved quality of life.  Clients learn stress management skills that are applicable to their personal needs.  These will include various techniques to induce mental and physical relaxation including eliminating negative thoughts and developing positive thoughts.  Some clients need to acquire techniques to reduce anxiety, improve time management or promote self-confidence.  Each individual has different needs and issues.

 

RELAXATION TRAINING

 

Prolonged stress can lead to a permanent state of arousal and tension.  Periods of deep relaxation reduce tension in the mind and body.  Research studies show that 15 minutes of deep relaxation daily leads to major benefits for stress reduction and health.  Several methods of inducing deep mental and physical relaxation are taught including Autogenic Training, Biofeedback (using a device to measure relaxation) and Self Hypnosis.  The training is adapted to the individual client’s personal preferences and needs.