Stress Management

What is stress?

Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain, or tension, resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

It is not however, necessarily a bad thing; if we have no stress then we can become bored, demotivated and de-energised. A healthy level of stress is called ‘Eustress’ (defined by Hans Selye an Endocrinologist, in 1975) and can give one a feeling of fulfillment. Performance can increase with the right amount of stress and declines with too much stress (distress).

So stress has two faces; good and bad!

There are situations or events, called stressors that will lead to an increase in stress levels.

We all react differently to stress; this is because we all have different resources.  If demands out weigh our resources, in our life, then this will tip the balance and lead to feelings of distress.

Symptoms that may be caused by feelings of stress: 

  • Constipation or diarrhoea/ bowel problems
  • Eating disorders or weight gain/loss
  • Erectile dysfunction/loss of libido/reproductive problems
  • Restlessness
  • Memory problems
  • Immune system reduction
  • Sweaty palms
  • Heart palpitations
  • Poor concentration
  • Shallow breathing
  • Ulcers
  • Worry/rumination
  • Self absorption
  • Poor sleep
  • Aches and pains/muscular tension
  • Skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis.

What is Stress Management? 

This refers to a wide spectrum of techniques aimed at controlling a person’s level of stress. It is important for individuals to be taught the relaxation response, It doesn’t come naturally and takes time to master!

What we experience when we relax: 

  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Decreased cardiac input
  • Increased energy conservation
  • Decreased breathing rate
  • Decreased muscular tension
  • Decreased body metabolism
  • Decreased oxygen consumption
  • Increased blood clotting time
  • Decreased heart rate
  • Changes in brainwave patterns

It is impossible to be stressed and relaxed at the same time!

But it is possible to learn to activate your relaxation response and there are many ways to do so.

So how can MOTH Therapies help you manage your stress levels?

Understanding stress and learning how to manage the effects of it will empower you.

Occupational Therapy will take account of your physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs, addressing you as a whole person, considering every area of your life that is impacted upon, by your health condition. I have 30 years of experience, knowledge and skills, with an understanding of medical conditions and symptoms, and how they can affect your functional abilities and your daily activities.

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using powerful plant based, essential oils. It is a truly holistic therapy, taking account of the mind, body and spirit of the person seeking help, as well as their lifestyle, eating patterns, relationships etc. Essential oils are tailored specifically to your emotional and physical needs and can be used in a number of ways, through inhalation, massage, compresses, topical application or baths.

Massage Therapy, with or without essential oils has many health benefits that aid relaxation and reduces physical and mental symptoms of stress.

Occupational Therapy, Aromatherapy, and Massage Therapy, therefore dovetail beautifully, to ensure your needs are met, reduce symptoms and to help you manage a full and purposeful life.

Education and advice regarding relaxation techniques and Mindfulness/Meditation can be taught to empower you.

I can work with you, to firstly identify the symptoms that you are experiencing and the stressors/triggers that are causing you problems. We will then work together to formulate a plan of action, improve your quality of life and help you achieve your chosen goals or activities.

MOTH Treatment options

Active relaxation

So called because it can be done actively, during an activity, rather than having to take yourself away to a darkened quiet room. The essence of this approach is to show you that you have a choice, between triggering a relaxation response or a stress response, in any given situation, and to develop the skills to do this.

The aim of the sessions is to provide information, which will empower you to understand stress and how to manage the effects, on your mind and body.

You will learn practical techniques, that you can take away and use at home. For example, Progressive muscle relaxation, Guided Imagery, breathing techniques, Mindfulness, Body Scanning, and Anchoring, to name just a few.

The sessions are can be carried out at my relaxing studio, in Whitstable or online and are bespoke to your needs.

Enquire for details and to discuss your needs – £150 per 2 hour session 

 

Aromatherapy 

Aromatherapy is enormously beneficial to help manage stress related conditions, symptoms of physical, psychological illnesses, as well as improving general well being.

You will learn about Aromatherapy, its uses and benefits, during the 10 week Active Relaxation course.

For more information and consultation prices please click here

Workshops to learn about specific conditions and how Aromatherapy can be assist with management of symptoms can also be arranged. Please contact me to discuss your requirements.

Massage 

If you would rather take a more practical approach to managing your stress and tension, Swedish holistic or Hydrotherm massage are available, with the use of essential oils, if desired, with a short consultation prior to treatment, so we can identify your priorities and choose a tailored essential oil blend, to meet you needs.

For more information on Swedish Holistic massage and prices please click here

For more information on Hydrotherm massage and prices please click here

Mindfulness and Meditation

“Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mindfulness is a form of meditation, which is paying attention with kindness.

Mindfulness isn’t about stopping thoughts, tuning out and getting away from it all; its about choosing how much attention to give to those thoughts, accepting that the thoughts are there, bringing the attention back to an object of attention, such as our breath, helping us to find the quiet space that exists between our thoughts.

There are different forms of meditation; MOTH Therapies uses the Skillful Mind approach, drawing on different traditions and MBSR – Mindfulness Based Stress reduction; both being secular forms of meditation, backed by scientific proof of its effectiveness.

As with all forms of meditation it takes practice, but benefits can be immediate and long term. It is an antidote to stress and anxiety. Regular practice is a boost to the health. It calms the nervous system and is beneficial for our immunity. It’s good for the heart; it helps to produce nitrous oxide (laughing gas) in the arteries, dilating them and reducing blood pressure, it also smooths the heart rhythms’. It physically impacts on the grey matter of our brains; it makes it grow! It slows down the aging process and it rewires itself.

Group and one to one sessions are available.

Please enquire for the next available group, or book an individual appointment here

One to one tailored Meditation/Mindfulness – 1 hour session – £75.00

Group Meditation/Mindfulness classes –

please enquire for details

The CONTROL SYSTEM

A form of non trance remedial hypnosis, which can help to upgrade and change patterns of thought and behaviour. The system is an empowering and painless way to make changes that you want to change. The system can be used with those experiencing various fears, phobias, anxiety, depression, addictions, pain. and more!

One to one treatment sessions and group workshops are available. Please enquire about the next available workshop date.

4 session individual programme £997

Please enquire about group workshops 

All treatments are safe to use alongside any prescribed medications that you might be taking. A consultation form will require completion prior to commencement of treatment, to identify any contraindications.

I look forward to working with you to,

STRESS LESS…LIVE MORE…FEEL WELL