Feel Good Therapies: Work Place Stress

Workplace Stress

Health and well being in the workplace is a hot topic for organisations and over half a million people in the UK experiencing work-related stress at a level they believe is making them ill, (source: The Health and Safety Executive). In addition to the impact it has on the individual, there are the organisational issues to consider of long-term absence, the impact of reduced productivity on organisational goals and the financial impact - both for the organisation and the person affected by stress.

The Health and Safety Executive is encouraging organisations to take proactive steps to reduce stress in the workplace and one of the key messages is...

"there are practical things organisations can do to prevent and control work-related stress".

A response to the stress epidemic includes counselling, employee relations, flexible working and access to complementary therapies in the workplace.

Health and Well-being Suggestions to reduce Staff Stress

Therapy Taster Sessions

- a practical way to support staff is to offer therapy tasters sessions. The tasters can be used to offer staff a 'try before you buy' of various therapies or if resources are available, regular therapy tasters in the workplace. With tasters running for 15-20 minutes, the therapies can be scheduled into the work day without compromising on organisational objectives.

Information Talks

- these can be focussed on a specific issues (eg back problems) and how certain therapies can help reduce this or it can present the range of benefits of a selection of complementary therapies, enabling staff to make an informed choice about how they can improve their health and well-being.

Workshops

- these are designed to help staff address what stress means and practical methods for them to reduce stress both at home and work. Information on these workshops - including 'Managing Pressure Through Personal Awareness' and 'Improving Concentration and Focus Through Personal Awareness' is available - please contact Feel Good Therapies using the registration form below.

Bespoke Services

- this involves designing a single session or programme of activity to help reduce stress in the workplace to meet staff and organisational needs.

The true meaning of 'stress' is our stress response (eg the physical response to danger) which as a human being is our survival instinct and is what helps to keep us safe and alive. Our overuse of this survival mechanism has led our path to the world of chronic stress where we see people struggling to cope with the demands of their lifestyle. It doesn't need to be that you give up your whole way of living to reduce stress - just introduce regular and practical steps to balance lifestyle 'demands' with moments of peace. We have to be alert to our chronic stress levels. We may think we have superhero qualities, but our body and our mind soon kicks us in into touch if we don't listen to the signs. Lorraine Murray, Director of Feel Good Therapies Ltd

The First Step

Here are some techniques to try to motivate your staff to improve their health and wellbeing.

Breathing - One of the quickest ways for us to relax is to learn to breath more slowly - try breathing into the count of 3 and out to the count of 5. Do it now - at your PC!

Releasing Tension As you sit reading this page, become aware of your posture. Do both of your feet touch the ground? Put them on the floor. Start to notice your feet and try to let them relax a little bit further as you breath out. Notice your shoulders - do they feel tense? Try to let them relax and sink towards the floor with your next out breath. If it's difficult - imagine taking your next breath into the muscles around the shoulders then let them relax as you breath out. Notice your hands. Are they poised over they keyboard? Let them rest in your lap for a moment. Take a deep breath down into your hands and as you breathe out, let your hands soften and relax. In 30 seconds and you've managed to improve your posture and relax a few tense muscles....

It is important to take some all important 'me time' to help balance stress. A short technique used regularly will have a positive effect.

Next Steps...

Feel Good Therapies Ltd runs workshops and classes to help people balance their stress - using meditation and relaxation techniques. We also manage a therapist directory of over 30 therapists offering over 30 different complementary therapies. If you would like further information about these services and our directory, please complete the box below with your full details. On receipt of your details, we will send you a free 'tips' sheet on how to reduce stress.