Stress, & Stress Management - Workshops, Seminars & Private Life-Coaching (Counselling)
Stress is not a personal weakness you have: most people will suffer from stress at some time in their lives. It is a serious condition - with
potentially serious consequences.
It is also a very individual experience: everybody is affected by it differently. If we ask a 100 people what stresses them, each person will give a
different answer: each one will need a different solution.
Learning to Manage Stress: Stress Management is about determining (analyzing) your source, or sources of stress, and then choosing, or
selecting a strategy that will reduce the effects of stress, or remove the source (see Stress Management).
In order to do so, it is helpful to first know what stress is - and what it does (also check out the Stress Management Workshop/Seminar).
The pressures of today's busy life are registered by the same physical reaction as that of our ancestors who faced sabre‑tooth tigers, grass‑fires,
or other dangerous situations. This physiological reaction has been an important key to man's survival throughout history.
The physical and psychological dimensions are inseparable: they are separated here for analytical purposes only. There are many ways of
responding, but however we do it, our bodies still react in the same way: fight, flight or faint; alarm or arousal (more on this below).
When it strikes we need to act and do something decisive, just as primitive humans did in ages past.
Stress is the plague of the 20th century because we don't always take prompt, immediate action. We have been "civilized" to release our
aggression, etc, indirectly through the use of body language, or verbally.
These help somewhat, but are inadequate because the body's primary preparation and need is for physical outlets.
Stress is not a personal weakness you have: most people will suffer from stress at some time in their lives. It is a serious condition - with
potentially serious consequences.
It is also a very individual experience: everybody is affected by it differently. If we ask a 100 people what stresses them, each person will give a
different answer: each one will need a different solution.
Learning to Manage Stress: Stress Management is about determining (analyzing) your source, or sources of stress, and then choosing, or
selecting a strategy that will reduce the effects of stress, or remove the source (see Stress Management).
In order to do so, it is helpful to first know what stress is - and what it does (also check out the Stress Management Workshop/Seminar).
The pressures of today's busy life are registered by the same physical reaction as that of our ancestors who faced sabre‑tooth tigers, grass‑fires,
or other dangerous situations. This physiological reaction has been an important key to man's survival throughout history.
The physical and psychological dimensions are inseparable: they are separated here for analytical purposes only. There are many ways of
responding, but however we do it, our bodies still react in the same way: fight, flight or faint; alarm or arousal (more on this below).
When it strikes we need to act and do something decisive, just as primitive humans did in ages past.
Stress is the plague of the 20th century because we don't always take prompt, immediate action. We have been "civilized" to release our
aggression, etc, indirectly through the use of body language, or verbally.
These help somewhat, but are inadequate because the body's primary preparation and need is for physical outlets.
- Stress is often considered to be something that happens to people: an event such as an injury or a promotion.
- Others think that stress is what happens to our bodies, minds and behaviours in response to an event (e.g, heart pounding, anxiety, or
nail biting). - The official Health and Safety definition of stress is: ’Stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of
demand placed upon them. It arises when they worry they can’t cope’. - "Stress" is not just one thing, or a single event, that happens to us. Everything we experience "stays with us", and their after-effects
stay around for at least a year.
- Stress is a "silent killer".
- Stress is OVERLOAD.
All this is covered in more detail in our Stress & Stress Management Workshop.
- To take the Stress Test click HERE.
For additional information see: the Canadian Mental Health Association website: ENGLISH, FRENCH.
Anxiety disorders are stress responses that are both excessive and inappropriate. Anxiety disorders interfere with your ability to function
normally on a daily basis. They include such things a panic attacks and phobias, etc - more detail in the workshop.
While stress does involve events and our response to them, these are not the most important factors.
It is Our thoughts about the situations in which we find ourselves, are the critical and often are the main source of stress (but not always).
Sources of stress are called "stressors".
Stress is NOT a disorder - it is overload, that causes disorders.
The Physiological Dimension Of Stress:
The innate alarm response initially attempts to over-ride our "civilized manners". There is often no time to think of "civilized" reactions because
the alarm response is a reflex that operates almost instantaneously. The body undergoes a number of changes as these responses to stimuli occur.
They begin the moment danger messages are received by the brain:
Physiological Responses: there are a number that occur either simultaneously or in a sequence - you can learn more about them in the Stress &
Stress Management workshop.
The innate alarm response initially attempts to over-ride our "civilized manners". There is often no time to think of "civilized" reactions because
the alarm response is a reflex that operates almost instantaneously. The body undergoes a number of changes as these responses to stimuli occur.
They begin the moment danger messages are received by the brain:
- Regulating centres of the total nervous system give the body information to speed up in preparation to confront or escape the threat.
- Since chemical balances affect the mind's emotional moods, the brain responds quickly and appropriately to maintain the balance.
- The brain will attempt to compensate for deficits in the rest of the system by secreting its own chemicals in response to the `directions'
it receives from the glands.
Physiological Responses: there are a number that occur either simultaneously or in a sequence - you can learn more about them in the Stress &
Stress Management workshop.
There are also psycho-emotional consequences (psychological-emotional).
"Freezing" or "getting rattled" are just different descriptions of an extreme anxiety state that is the psychological equivalent to physiological
shock.
As we grow older, the stress reaction releases cholesterol into the bloodstream and when not used up through physical action, it is deposited on
the artery walls.
The passages become narrower and the heart has to work harder to push blood along.
Chronic high-stress can turn transient (temporary) high blood pressure (hypertension) into permanent high blood pressure.
People whose stress manifests this way are likely candidates for heart disease.
As blood pressure rises and muscle tension increases, resting heart rate and serum cholesterol may rise, all increasing the Coronary Heart Disease
(CHD) risk factor.
Quite often, these people ignore their poor health habits, making them even less efficient, which in turn, produces even more tension to aggravate
the situation.
"Freezing" or "getting rattled" are just different descriptions of an extreme anxiety state that is the psychological equivalent to physiological
shock.
As we grow older, the stress reaction releases cholesterol into the bloodstream and when not used up through physical action, it is deposited on
the artery walls.
The passages become narrower and the heart has to work harder to push blood along.
Chronic high-stress can turn transient (temporary) high blood pressure (hypertension) into permanent high blood pressure.
People whose stress manifests this way are likely candidates for heart disease.
As blood pressure rises and muscle tension increases, resting heart rate and serum cholesterol may rise, all increasing the Coronary Heart Disease
(CHD) risk factor.
Quite often, these people ignore their poor health habits, making them even less efficient, which in turn, produces even more tension to aggravate
the situation.
See the graphic at the right for sources/causes of stress & anxiety in
day-to-day life (stressors).
One cause of Stress is "inner pain", and people:
Chronic excessive muscular tension due to attitudes and holding on to
inner pain is a system of habitual muscular contractions that keep a
person's spontaneous impulses in.
day-to-day life (stressors).
One cause of Stress is "inner pain", and people:
- learn to avoid feeling excitement by holding their breath or
squeezing muscles. - Tightening against intense pleasure pain;
- emotions: fear, joy, anger, grief, orgasm, laughter.
Chronic excessive muscular tension due to attitudes and holding on to
inner pain is a system of habitual muscular contractions that keep a
person's spontaneous impulses in.
- A holding against feeling, emotion, expression.
- Repression, depression.
- Depressing yourself.
- It absorbs energy: hinders spontaneous body function:
sensation sensitivity creativity productivity
communication and feeling. - Producing deadness, numbing whole areas of the body;
inhibiting breathing, movement, the flow of energy. - Attitude: Holding onto hurts brings fixation:
- Fixation is stunting growth.
- Creating in a person the experience of
being blocked off, in a dream like state of
half aliveness: halts the process of
actualizing the Human Potential. - Stuck: separate from him/herself and the
world. - Excessive tension, words, sensory
limitation all lead to automatic,
conditioned behaviour. - A lack of joy, honesty, humour, love:
being bored to death; deliberate, phoney.
Sources/Causes of Stress / Anxiety
There are many: financial problems, family
problems, health issues, certain holidays,
codependence and denial - and many more
The major one is our attitude. See our workshop
page.
How Does one manage or cope with stress?
There are as many ways to cope with stress, or
to manage or reduce it, as there are people.
Each person finds their own coping mechanisms
and strategies. Some work well - others not so
well. Anxiety & phobias usually require
professional help.
To truly combat stress there are things to do immediately that will help temporarily:
We have relaxation tapes (ocean waves rolling on shore - with bird sounds overlaid). Inquire for help.
- Relaxation techniques can help (relaxation below your mind - also see Retreats.
- Read "Slow Me Down, Lord", and
- the Desiderata.
We have relaxation tapes (ocean waves rolling on shore - with bird sounds overlaid). Inquire for help.
However - although many of the most commonly recommended techniques will help deal with the effects
of stress - they do not always solve "the problem". Truly coping with it - and overcoming it - requires
other steps. Many of the steps you can do on your own - some may require help - also see "The
Awakening".
See Stress Management for detailed description and suggestions/steps - workshops on this topic are also
available.
Dawn Cove Abbey is one source that provides such help - to help you learn any of the above.
Stress Management Counselling - Stress Management Workshops, Seminars & Retreats
Treating the "whole person" - see potential.
of stress - they do not always solve "the problem". Truly coping with it - and overcoming it - requires
other steps. Many of the steps you can do on your own - some may require help - also see "The
Awakening".
See Stress Management for detailed description and suggestions/steps - workshops on this topic are also
available.
Dawn Cove Abbey is one source that provides such help - to help you learn any of the above.
Stress Management Counselling - Stress Management Workshops, Seminars & Retreats
Treating the "whole person" - see potential.
How well these work for you depends on your particular situation, and the causes of your stress.
Regardless, they will help. Beyond that, there may be other things to consider, and outside help may be
required.
If you suffer from Anxiety Disorder, you should discuss this with your doctor.
Klaas Tuinman MA
Dawn Cove Abbey
Deerfield, (Yarmouth County) Nova Scotia, Canada
Regardless, they will help. Beyond that, there may be other things to consider, and outside help may be
required.
If you suffer from Anxiety Disorder, you should discuss this with your doctor.
Klaas Tuinman MA
Dawn Cove Abbey
Deerfield, (Yarmouth County) Nova Scotia, Canada
| Relaxation for Body & Mind - Stress Buster Relaxation Below Your Mind - I offer a form of Deep Relaxation & Autogenic Training that effectively goes "below your mind" - so deep that it leaves you renewed, refreshed and re-empowered (see Retreats). Inquire about my relaxation tapes also. |
| If you're overwhelmed - burned-out, pressured - help is available here! |
If you have a question about this topic - don't hesitate to write: there is no charge, and you will
receive an answer - without any unwanted follow-up.
Located in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia (NS), Canada: available in-person and online anywhere
Help is available through counselling/coaching - or an ear to listen to you; Distance Counselling
Works! See Contact-Info on how to write, email, or call (with no obligation):
email: outreach@dawncoveabbey.org.
receive an answer - without any unwanted follow-up.
Located in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia (NS), Canada: available in-person and online anywhere
Help is available through counselling/coaching - or an ear to listen to you; Distance Counselling
Works! See Contact-Info on how to write, email, or call (with no obligation):
email: outreach@dawncoveabbey.org.
Stress Disorders Signs, Symptoms, Sources and Causes
The Silent Killers
Healing & Empowerment: Counselling - Life
Coaching, Seminars, Workshops & Retreats
Coaching, Seminars, Workshops & Retreats
| When life hurts - there is immediate help for long term hope |
| Dawn Cove Abbey Empowerment Outreach - New Beginning Online Information Resources, and other supports for Individuals, Couples and Families LIFE COUNSELING / COACHING / COUNSELLING and CONSULTING: HEALING YOUR WOUNDED INNER LOST CHILD |
Only the Wounded Heal; Only the Separated Reconcile
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