This half-day practical and engaging course equips participants with 15 different tools and techniques they can use to reduce their stress and boost their health and well-being.  This course enables participants to understand the meaning of stress and how to differentiate it from pressure. A toolkit of stress management techniques and exercises is provided for them to use in the work environment and in their own time.

The principle of the course is that because stress is subjective, people need to observe and learn a variety of strategies to enable them to select those that will work best for them.

Learning Objectives

Participants Learn:

• What is stress? - physical and psychological signs at work and at home
• Employee and employer responsibilities under Health and Safety regulations
• How to distinguish between pressures that can be controlled and those that cannot
• To prioritise those pressures that cause the most stress
• How to develop action plans to tackle the most important and controllable sources of pressure
• Other techniques that tackle causes of stress e.g. time management, assertiveness
• Positive psychology basics (looking at what causes well-being and happiness)
• Tools and techniques that help to change perspectives on work and life (on 'how you see the
  situation you are in')
• What work-life balance means and how to build a more healthy balance into life
• Several ways to cope better e.g. social support, relaxation techniques

Comments from previous participants who have benefited from this course:

I was clearer about the causes of stress at work and in my life

It helped to identify the pressures I could do something about, and prioritise those that caused the most stress

Thinking differently about my situation - it helped me put things in perspective

Learning new tools and techniques to manage stress

Liked the emphasis on thinking about what causes joy and happiness and not just focusing on stress

...it made me think about my whole life and what was important, not just work stress

...the course was more than just 'coping skills' and I valued that 
 

Course Handouts:

• Comprehensive course handouts and a relaxation techniques CD are included.
• To view CD and handout content summary and handout extracts click here.

CONTENT SUMMARY

The course commences with a comprehensive review of stress awareness and how participants can recognise its signs and symptoms in themselves and in their colleagues. The legal responsibilities of employers and employees is reviewed and the course is put into context with the organisation's existing health and well-being policies and support systems.
 
The 'PIC' formula approach is covered which gives participants a choice of tools and techniques they can use to focus on the things in their lives that can minimise the risk of stress and enhance their feelings of well-being.

The 'PIC' Formula:

'P' Approaches (Pressure)

Tool 1: Taking control of your life
Tool 2: Time management
Tool 3: Assertiveness

'I' Approaches (Individual)
Tool 4: The 'Rosy Glow' exercise
Tool 5: Work out what's important
Tool 6: Joy giving activities
Tool 7: Thankfulness
Tool 8: Challenging Stressful Thoughts
Tool 9: Acceptance

'C' Approaches (Coping)
Tool 10: Social support
Tool 11: Sleep
Tool 12: Physical exercise
Tool 13: Diet & nutrition
Tool 14: Drinking enough water
Tool 15: Breathing exercises

Relaxation Exercise Podcast 

Click here to listen to a short relaxation exercise by Dr David Mason Brown - Dr Mason Brown's relaxation exercises are featured on the Audio CD which accompanies this course.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of this training course please contact Alastair Taylor on Tel: 0131 476 5027 or e-mail: alastair@in-equilibrium.co.uk

 

I found the workshop very useful although I was already aware of the definition of stress I particularly liked the fresh approach to the subject exploring the impact of stress on the body and looking at different strategies to control stress using the PIC formula and Stephen Covey's, Time Management Matrix. Both the course material and various exercises used provided a good opportunity for me to reflect and evaluate my own personal stressors and helped me to think about how I could improve managing my own stress. Since attending this workshop I have used some of the techniques in the CD and I have been practising the various breathing exercises. Thanks again.

Heather Farrell, Training & Development Officer, Birmingham City Council