Stress Management
Whilst there are many definitions for stress, my favourite is 'when the demands placed on an individual exceed the personal and social resources the individual can mobilise'.
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We all need some stressors in our life or we just wouldn't get up in the morning and sometimes we can get stressed by one-off or short-term events such as moving house, having a baby or changing jobs. It's when stressors are longer term or never seem to end that it starts to take it's toll.
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In today’s fast-paced world, stress is common, but your mind and body can pay a high price.
Am I stressed?
So what does stress look like, feel like?
You may have a general feeling of being overwhelmed, constant worrying, anxious or racing thoughts and/or poor judgement. It can also affect your memory or you may find it hard to concentrate. Are you feeling moodier than usual, angry or irritable? Do you feel lonely or isolated, agitated or depressed? Do you notice yourself procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities or withdrawing from others?
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Do you have any physical symptoms such as new aches and pains, diarrhoea or constipation, nausea or dizziness? Are you suffering from insomnia, hot and cold sweats, headaches, palpitations or dry mouth? Are you eating more or less, sleeping too much or too little? Are you smoking or drinking alcohol more? Have you noticed if your overall immune system has been affected ie are you getting more colds or other short-term illness?
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These can all be physical and mental signs of stress.
How can we help?
Having woken in the middle of the night, a few years ago, with heart palpitations thinking I am having a heart attack on more than one occasion, I know exactly how it feels to be overwhelmed by stress. Having helped myself, I now want to help you.
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Using a combination of techniques including relaxation, coaching, hypnotherapy and other cognitive approaches, I can help you to understand how stress is affecting you. Give you practical skills to help you cope, avoid or manage the negative effects of this stress, giving you back the ability to handle what life throws at you to leave you feeling more relaxed and in control of your life.
