Stress Management

WHAT IS RELAXATION THERAPY?

Relaxation Therapy includes a number of techniques that effectively reduce stress and trigger the body’s relaxation response. The techniques are easy to do, fun and relaxing, and can be used by virtually anyone to help manage stress and anxiety.

Because Relaxation Therapy promotes wellness and healing, it also serves as a great complementary therapy for those healing from illness. (Guided Imagery is one technique frequently used for healing.)

In our sessions you will learn a wide variety of relaxation techniques as well as important self-care strategies including:

  • Deep Breathing
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation
  • Autogenic Training
  • Biofeedback
  • Meditation
  • Guided Imagery
  • Creative Visualization
  • Music Therapy
  • Positive Thinking
  • Self-Nurturing
  • Green Living & More!

KEY BENEFITS OF RELAXATION THERAPY

  • Relieves Muscle Tension
  • Reduces Pain
  • Reduces Anxiety
  • Reduces Insomnia and Fatigue by Producing Deeper, Sounder Sleep
  • Reduces Stomach Problems by Aiding in Proper Digestion
  • Decreases Blood Pressure
  • Decreases Respiration Rate
  • Slows & Regulates Heart Rate
  • Improves Circulation
  • Increases Focus, Concentration and Memory
  • Increases Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
  • Increases Energy and Productivity
  • Helps Keep the Immune System Healthy
  • Helps the Body to Heal from Illness or Injury
  • Greatly Improves Overall Feelings of Happiness and Wellbeing

USES FOR RELAXATION THERAPY

Relaxation Therapy is highly beneficial in managing general stress, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. In addition, Relaxation Therapy, Guided Imagery and Wellness Coaching are very effective in reducing stress associated with many circumstances and situations, such as (but not limited to):

  • Health:

    - Healing from Illness (Complementary Therapy)
    - Preparation for and Healing from Surgery
    - Other Medical Procedures
    - Headaches and Chronic Pain
    - Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

  • Life Changes:

    - Moving/New Home
    - Marriage/Wedding Stress
    - Pregnancy/New Baby
    - Divorce/Separation
    - Infertility
    - Family Challenges
    - Financial Challenges
    - Caregiving/Illness or Death of a Loved One
    - Fears/Phobias

  • Behavioral/Social Changes:

    - Smoking Cessation
    - Weight Loss
    - Public Performance/Dating/Public Speaking
    - Work Stress (New Job, Long Hours/Excessive Workload, Commuting Problems)

Stress triggers are very unique to each individual. Relaxation Therapy can help you to manage any type of stress you may be experiencing.

A Few Words About Stress

Stress is the body’s way of responding to any type of demand, pressure or threat from the outside world. Outside of physical exertion or environmental stressors, stress is largely based on perception. Stress is also a very individual thing; something that is stressful to one person is not necessarily stressful to another.

When in stress mode (also called fight or flight) the body produces a number of chemicals, including adrenaline & cortisol, that are helpful in the short-term. When stress becomes chronic and continues without relief, these same chemicals and the results they produce in the body can become harmful. One of the major concerns with prolonged stress is its negative impact on the immune system. Therefore, learning to relax is critical in maintaining good health.

Relaxation reduces stress thus allowing the body to return to the calm, healing parasympathetic mode. A key concept in stress management that helps us remain longer in this parasympathetic mode is that of mindfulness. Mindfulness means choosing to live fully in the present moment without regretting the past or worrying about the future. Relaxation Therapy teaches us how to be more mindful, and thus more happy and relaxed, in our daily lives.

Stress Management/Relaxation Articles by Terri Marshall

Stress Relief Resources

Not sure if stress is becoming a problem in your life? Try these self-check assessments:
http://tranquilitybaywellness.com/stress-relief-resources

Interesting Stress Statistics

(Source: Miller, Smith & Rothstein Unless Otherwise Noted)

  • 84% of Women Currently are Stressed About the Economy, Source: USA Today
  • 43% of Adults Experience Adverse Health Effects from Stress
  • 75-90% of Visits to a Physician are for Stress Related Complaints
  • Stress in the Workplace Costs American Industry $300 Billion Annually!
  • OSHA Has Declared Stress a Hazard of the Workplace