Effective stress relief through developing body, mind and soul 

(Part one – the body)

The statistics around the prevalence of stress in the workplace and indeed within the day to day lives of South Africans are really quite alarming. The results of just one research paper I read stated that over 30% of South African’s across the board had a lifetime prevalence of general disorders as a result of stress and over 15% were directly anxiety related. 

Businesses in particular are greatly affected by the stresses suffered by staff and should take heed of what can be done to relieve stress in the workplace. No doubt the research and the results vary, but I deal with creating wellness through self-development and self-improvement and I know from personal experience that most of the people I serve privately and in business have stress related issues.

I have often been asked why my business seems to offer an unusual stable of services relating to self-development. Some, like the lessor known Soul plan, seem quite far removed from others like the now commonly practiced Pilates.

The truth is that it is my belief that an evolved person and one that comfortably overcomes the effects of stress, is one that takes a physical, mental and spiritual path to wellbeing. All of these play a role and have their place. This, the first in a 2 part series ‘effective stress relief through developing body, mind and soul’ deals with the physical body. 

Pilates

Practiced by millions, Pilates is a series of low impact exercises that primarily strengthen the core muscles of the abdomen, lower back, hips and thighs. It not only helps to improve physical strength, but muscular endurance, balance and flexibility. It also has the added benefits of improving posture, body sensing and mindful movement awareness.

In fact, Pilates is not just about physical well-being at all. The founder of Pilates – Joseph Hubertus Pilates, describes it as “A method of body conditioning that re-awakens and stimulates brain cells, stimulating further the functioning of the mind!” Could there be a better testament to the fact that Pilates is not only a wonderful way to get fitter, more supple and stronger, but there is a definite connection with improving the brain and the mind?

I generally only facilitate physical exercise that is linked with the brain and mind (and sometimes the soul) and as the mind too has come into play when this physical exercise is practiced, it makes sense that Pilates is a fantastic stress reliever.

TRE

I have recently written quite extensively about TRE. This is Trauma Release Exercises and in essence is a series of exercises that help the body relieve itself from deep muscular tension, trauma and stress.

There is a very definite connection between the body, mind and the spiritual in the practice of TRE. It is for this reason that I heartily recommend this in particular as a great solution for stress relief and injury.

Much stress is the result of trauma of one sort or the other, death, divorce, moving home, accidents and illness etc. These are all traumas that induce a great amount of stress and TRE is ideally suited to deal with trauma of every kind.

Let me help

These are two great ways one can relieve stress through the physical medium at self and more, as they are inextricably linked to mind improvement and trauma release. Sometimes it may take a bit more direct mind training or adjustment, or even some soul searching to produce complete stress relief though, so watch this space for part 2.

Contact me  book a consultation to evaluate your personal stress related issues and devise a program using one or more of the services I provide to give you or your business effective stress relief through developing body, mind and soul!