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You can listen to our Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques podcasts using the links below:

CUSP: Stress Management Training for Managers-Podcast

A good working climate is one where stress is largely prevented.  While we cannot, in all likelihood, eliminate all stress, much of it could be prevented.  In this podcast Dot Gourlay introduces a critically important framework called ‘CUSP’^TM that you can use both to prevent stress and reduce the risk when stress has occurred.

A key aim here is to build an atmosphere and team environment which de-stigmatises stress.  Stress is simply a reaction people have to excessive pressures or demands.  We all have excessive pressures or demands sometimes, so such a stigma is pointless and damaging. Unless people feel able to be open about what is causing them stress, you’ll find it difficult to make headway in tackling it in any meaningful way.

The CUSP^TM framework

This is a very simple framework that works equally as well in terms of prevention of stress as it does in helping someone who is not coping.  In other words you can use CUSP^TM proactively and reactively.

This framework can be applied to any situation where pressure is present.  What it does is get you thinking about your options in a structured way.  There are always options, because the experience of stress is individual and depends largely on perceptions.  If you can change or influence someone’s perceptions, the way they think about a situation, then the stress can be prevented or reduced.

CUSP^TM stands for:

• Control
• Uncertainty
• Support
• Pressure

Relaxation Technique: Relaxation-Podcast

An introduction followed by a short relaxation session by Dr David Mason Brown (9 Minutes in total).

Please do not drive or use machinery while listening to this podcast.  A quick way to take some time out and relax.

Longer Version below is made available to delegates after the training course.

The full audio download is available to course delegates.  It helps people to completely switch off when they get home from work.  It also introduces listeners to a variety of relaxation techniques.

The Full Relaxation Techniques Audio contents:

• Breathing: slowing & deepening the breathing to slow down brain waves (like a car going from high revs to idling)
• Breathing & Relaxing the Muscles: muscles, especially neck, shoulders, back and limbs develop muscle tension as the day goes by
• Breathing for Energy (Paced Breathing): this exercise uses the diaphragm to circulate the lymph fluid to remove the waste products produced by cells
• Breathing & Walking: allows you to relax when walking to and from car, an appointment, a shop, etc. and also increases awareness of the Present Moment and slows down the perception of time
• The Inner Voice – accessing your beliefs and inner strength
• The Tropical Island – a 20 minute deep relaxation exercise to help you to switch off after work
• The Forest with the Balloon: a relaxation and offloading technique