What
does it mean to be stressed??? Generally speaking when I
am really stressed I am not usually present. After
I have been working with a client for a couple months I
use a stress survey to help assess how she/he is doing and
what areas still need exploring. This takes a look at physical,
mental, emotional and social stress.
What is your stress quotient???? Put a check by the symptom
that you have experienced in the last week.
PHYSICAL
STRESS-
_Headaches, _ Fatigue, _ Weight Change, _ Pounding Heart,
_Tension in muscles of neck and shoulders, _ upset stomach.
MENTAL
STRESS--_Forgetfulness,
_ Dulling of the senses, _ Mental Exhaustion, _ Negative
attitude, _ Boredom, _ Decline in problem solving skills.
EMOTIONAL
STRESS--_Anxiety,
_Mood Swings, _ Irritability, _ Self-Criticism, _ Crying
spells, _Easily discouraged.
SOCIAL
STRESS--
_Isolation, _Resentment of others, _ Being Impatient, _
Using people, _Clamming up, _ Lashing out at friends and
family.
Continuous
stress your life can and will create an inability to being
really present to yourself and those you interact with daily.
Now take a moment and lets look at the word Present. This
word can mean many different things. I am present, I present
my self. Here is a present. I'm making a presentation
about the program. I feel his Presence. Within the word
presence is the notion of essence; also the sound of sense.
It is as if to be truly present, one needs to be in touch
with one's essence, that which reflects a life giving spirit
mixed with ones sense common or otherwise.
Questions for you to ponder:
Are you present?
Are you awake and aware of what is going on within and around
you? Are you able to be truly present giving full attention
to relationships and work?
Do you feel the presence of a Higher Power? People talk
about "out-of-the-body" experiences; I wonder
how many of us truly experience-presence-in the now!
Many of you have heard the saying Today is a Gift that is
why we call it the present!!!
Stress can cause the body's immune system to begin to break
down.
Simply put, never let yourself get to hungry, angry, lonely
or tired. These areas can greatly affect the delicate balance
within our immune system.
Somatic therapy provides a variety of ways to de-stress
the body, mind and spirit.
For
more info please call me, 314-443-0206
Mary Francis Hoffman PHD, REACE, RSME
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