The ability or inability to deal with stress has become an important part of modern day living that is often overlooked until it is too late; a forty year old man has a heart attack; the marriage of twenty years has finally deteriorated beyond reconciliation; the student who has put years of effort into study goes blank in an exam, resulting in test failure...

Not only can stress literally kill you, it can destroy your relationships, your ability to work efficiently and ability to think clearly and effectively.

If you are stressed at work, you will find it difficult to leave your work there. If  the stress at work follows you home it will impact on your family.

Then the stress at home follows you to work creating a vicious downward spiral.

It doesn't have to be this way.

WHO IS AT RISK?
Modern living has many rewards, but the down-side is living with the ongoing day-to-day pressure we call 'stress'. Anyone can be affected, from high school and college, from the boardroom to the shop floor, and even as a young child at day care or primary school.

In the past, occasional stress was essential for our ancestors' day-to- day survival. Stress gives us an adrenaline surge, essential for the 'fight or  flight' mechanism - for example, to escape from or fight off an attack from a predator.

The 21st century is a time in human civilization that we consider to be more civilized and enlightened than in the past. Paradoxically, we are seeing an increase in stress related illnesses rather than life becoming less stressful and easier.

The life of yesteryear did not have the relentless, ongoing stress inducing demands found in all walks of life today. The problem is, we have not evolved for an ongoing stressful life and it impacts upon us emotionally and physically. And it is getting worse.

HOW DO I KNOW IF SOMEONE IS  AFFECTED?
An inability to relax, go to sleep/get a good night's sleep, or even just 'switch-off'. Mood swings, chronic illness, the feeling of being unable to cope, stressing out at test or exam time, are all signs of being subjected to a high pressure environment or excessive stress.

WHY IS IT HAPPENING?
Hormones and blood chemistry. When faced with a stressful situation the body secretes the hormone adrenaline. Adrenaline is responsible for the fight or flight mechanism which was particularly useful in the past when hunting or being hunted! Adrenaline causes the blood to decrease to the internal organs and go to the brain and limbs, particular useful today when facing a sporting contest or when taking tests. But it is best in short sporadic doses, not the ongoing relentless saturation of the nervous system that happens today. In fact, long term exposure to adrenaline is being linked to many illnesses including heart disease and cancer.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Choose to change it for the better. But just will power or conscious change is not easy. This is where Next Step To Success can assist you by teaching techniques that allow a positive change at the subconscious level.

You can become more relaxed, more focused and enjoy a happier, healthier life. The paradox is that when you are stressed you become tired, often too tired to exercise or sleep properly. When you are relaxed, you get more energy and vitality, allowing you to exercise more and  become more efficient and productive, whether it's the workplace, school or at home.

Most importantly you will have a more rewarding life with your family and friends, and that, after all, is what it really is all about, isn't it?

LEARN TO RELAX!
Relaxation is something that can be taught and learned.

 No! You won't relax properly by watching the television, reading a book, or even playing golf. (Although learning to relax and visualize your shot will help your golf game - just ask Tiger!)

By taking just 15-20 minutes to quiet your mind and body, it will not only 'recharge your batteries', but will reduce stress and you to sleep better in the evenings because there is less mind chatter...

You can do it at lunchtime. On the train or bus. Sitting in the car once you arrive home, before you walk in for dinner, just before you play a game of golf.

TIP: When you are tired on a Saturday afternoon and you're feel like a nap, sit in a comfortable chair close you eyes, let the body relax and in your minds' eye focus on a beautiful creek or stream.

But don't do it for more than 20-25 minutes as the brain chemistry changes and you will awaken feeling worse than when you started. (Set an alarm for 20 minutes if you have.)

The relaxation technique can be taught simply and easily, particularly in the Deep Sleep and Instant Relaxation Workshops

THE SECRET TO CHANGE.
Ultimately, the secret to lasting change lies within the subconscious mind and your subconscious beliefs.

Effective tools are meditation, self-hypnosis or hypnosis itself, which has been shown to be a proven method to change subconscious belief patterns.

Meditation and self-hypnosis are very closely related, as are guided meditation and hypnosis.

Hypnosis is straightforward, safe, effective  and you are always in control. Hypnosis or hypnotherapy is not always necessary as there are hypnotic techniques, such as meditation that will assist.

For children, there are other ways to create change. SLEEPTALK™ is a wonderful way for parents to build self esteem and to let children know that they really are loved - unconditionally.