Reducing and managing your stress is essential for your physical health and emotional wellbeing. Not surprisingly, the level of stress that a person can cope with, and the way in which they each respond to stressful situations, varies greatly from person to person. Common causes of stress include family breakdown, major life changes, financial concerns and workplace issues such as bullying, retrenchment, unemployment and relocation.

Physical responses to continuous stress include:

• Inability to sleep
• Upset stomach
• Elevated heart rate
• Headaches
• Decreased immune responses
• High blood sugar levels
• High blood pressure
• Muscular tension

Psychological responses to stress can include:

• Feeling overwhelmed
• Unable to concentrate
• Anxious
• Irritable, Angry
• Emotional outbursts
• Increased risk of depression
• ProcrastinationStress management skills are not automatic and must be learnt. Counselling can:

1. Help you understand the causes of your stress
2. Address your emotional responses to stressful situations
3. Teach you relaxation techniques which can help you find practical ways to calm your mind and body.

Assertiveness training is an additional strategy which can be learnt to help you reduce the stress caused by difficult relationships in your personal and work life.

If you have difficulty managing stress, make a step towards your wellbeing and contact Jennifer Rosen