corporate programme
stress management
what is stress
stress management workshop
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CORPORATE PROGRAMME

The corporate programme brings the benefit of meditation, healing and well-being into the workplace to alleviate stress and increase productivity.

Joanna Bristow-Watkins is a dynamic trainer and inspirational speaker providing seminars and training programmes to help target absenteeism and stress management.  Joanna's nurturing approach, coupled with her infectious passion for life, motivates employees to enhance their self-image and bring joy and contentment back into their lives. 

Please contact Joanna for details of cost and options available.

 
Stress is now an everyday fact of life, affecting and influencing people whether they are high-pressure executives, isolated housewives or even school children. The medical profession view stress as a major causative factor in coronary heart disease, cancer, ulcers and other digestive disorders, as well as diabetes and a host of other illnesses. If we can adapt our lifestyle to minimise the effects of stress, this makes a huge impact on our attitudes and happiness.

Stress is by no means just a modern occurrence, although the rapid pace of life and increased global travel has encouraged a proliferation of sufferers. Stress occurs when the body is required to perform beyond its normal range of capabilities. The body's reaction, known as the 'fight or flight' response, is to produce a surge of hormones including adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prompt a number of 'alert responses' through heightened muscle tension, increased heart rate and metabolism, pupil dilation and raised blood pressure. This is designed to help us confront the situation with enhanced strength and awareness (fight) or to run away more effectively (flight).

The physical response to stress, in small doses, is good for us and helps us to function more effectively under pressure for short periods of time. However, in the long term it can be extremely damaging; for example - stress inhibits the secretion of protective fluids which normally neutralise stomach acid, ulcers are the resulting lesions. When stress goes beyond optimum levels, it drains our psychological energy, impairs performance and can leave us feeling useless and undervalued, with reduced purpose and unattainable objectives.

Hans Selye was the first to identify the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) model governing our reaction to stress. He recognised three phases within this response:


First the body is alerted (alarm reaction), during which physiological responses are momentarily reduced whilst the body summons strength. Next, autonomic activity is triggered (resistance) and physiological responses are heightened for a duration dependent on the stamina of the individual. Under usual circumstances the body would then revert to its original equilibrium. However, if this stage continues, there is a sharp decline in resistance until eventually collapse occurs (exhaustion). At this point physiological resistance may cease to exist at all.

 
 

Recognising Triggers of Stress

  • General causes of stress at work
  • Specific causes of stress at work
  • Task related causes of stress at work
  • Stress in the home

Identifying Symptoms of Stress

  • Emotional effects of too much stress
  • Cognitive effects of too much stress
  • Physical effects of too much stress
  • Behavioural effects of too much stress

Tackling the Problem & Alleviating the Effects

  • Self diagnosis
  • Self-help action
  • Improve life skills
  • Improve general health and wellbeing

Reducing Stress at Work

  • Identifying attitudes
  • Devising a strategy
  • Implementing positive action
  • Reclaiming your desk
  • Studying work patterns
  • Managing time
  • Communicating well
  • Gain inner balance

Office-based Stress-relief Exercises

  • Breathing to Relax
  • Taking a break from the screen
  • Relieving tension

Generating More Energy

  • Reduce your intake of toxins
  • Evaluate your diet
  • A healthy diet
  • A healthy and pleasant environment

Learning How to Relax

  • Preparing for relaxation
  • Visualisation or meditation techniques

Utilising Essential Oils

  • Aromatherapy Massage
  • Bathing
  • Compresses
  • Room fragrancer

Complementary Therapies

  • Therapies which may be appropriate
  • Reiki or Reyad Sekh Em
  • Crystals
  • Bach Flower Remedies
  • Aura-Soma - healing through colour, plant and crystal energies
  • Homeopathy
  • Reflexology
  • Alexander Technique
  • Chiropractic
  • Flotation
  • Shiatsu
  • Acupuncture
  • Hypnotherapy

Stress Management training is available in one-day workshops from £50. Two-day courses, costing £100, cover all aspects in more depth. Both courses can be tailored for corporate use for 4 or more participants.

Related Books available from Harmony Healing Mail Order

101 Essential Tips - Everyday Meditation, Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 0751304794.
Cost £4.99 including postage within the United Kingdom.

A Harmony of Angels, Angela McGerr, Quadrille Publishing and other Angela McGerr publications, see angel section

 

How Stressed Are You?		  

Tick against each question which applies to you. Score one point for each ticked box. 		 

Physical Issues		  
1. Do you feel you sleep too much or too little (doesn't matter which)?

2. Do you have difficulty sitting still and relaxing?

3. Do you suffer back or neck pain from tense or stiff muscles?


Mental Issues
4. Are you easily irritated or constantly angry?

5. Do you find it hard to concentrate?

6. Are you often forgetful?


Emotional Issues		  
7. Do you feel is everything is piling up on top of you?

8. Do you feel uneasy or anxious a lot of the time?

9. Do you sometimes feel wound-up, over excited or hyperactive?


Lifestyle Issues		  
10. Are you generally unhappy with your lifestyle?

11. Do you fail to have time for your chosen hobbies/interests?

12. Have you developed the habit of drinking, eating or smoking excessively?


Personal Issues		  
13. Are you unable to pace yourself to allow periods of re-energising?

14. Do you fail to reward yourself for your successes?

15. Do you find "empty time" lonely and uncomfortable?


Relationship Issues		  
16. Do you find it difficult to talk to others?

17. Do you have relationship difficulties, even with those you love the most?

18. Do you tend to be withdrawn?


Environmental Issues		  
19. Do you live or work in an area with a high noise level?

20. Do you suffer from physical environmental discomfort?

21. Do your surroundings conflict with your desired lifestyle?


If your points total 7 or more, you should consider reducing your stress levels. Anything over 12 requires a significant overhaul, whereas 16 or more indicates a lifestyle rethink may be in order.