2-Way Approach to Reducing Stress!

Hi folks,

I have recently been approached by a company to put some stress management workshops together. As a physical health trainer I immediately thought that this was not my area of expertise, however when looking in to it I realised that much of the work that I already do is very relevant to reducing stress.

So lets start by thinking of how to de-stress ourselves, well this is pretty much anything that we enjoy doing (releasing endorphins) or that relaxes us such as...

• Socialising
• Laughing
• Singing (whether we're good or not)
• Exercise (at any intensity)
• Dancing
• Treatments such as massage
• Sleeping

I'm sure we'd all like to fit all of these into our lifestyle but unfortunately many of us are under pressure & don't have the time. So lets look at how to reduce stress building up in the first place by highlighting likely causes...

• Bad communication between people (home & work)
• Unreasonable work load / time frame
• Lack of equipment of training for the task
• Lack of control in your job (both physical & decision making)
• Poor diet (mood, energy, & concentration levels)
• Lack of sleep /rest
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Postural / muscle tension

If we firstly address any causes of stress (list 2), then we will need to implement fewer stress-busting measures (list 1), making our lives a little simpler & less cluttered = an overall less-stressed you!

Ah - I feel better already!

James