INSTRUCTORS: Kit Malia & Anne Brannagan
'Stress appears to play an important role in determining whether people undertake and maintain potentially important health-related behavior changes. People who are stressed do not change their behaviour, or maintain the changes if they are made'.

'Two major sources of stress in a year make a person age sixteen years. In fact, an annus horribilis including three very serious events could increase the body's age by . . . thirty-two years, over the subsequent twelve months'.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This practical one day interactive workshop is suitable for professionals working with individuals who have health problems made worse by stress and/or fatigue issues.
The course will provide an overview of what Active Relaxation is, teach you about 14 techniques you can use, provide a tested practical model to implement with your clients/patients, and demonstrate the latest technology to help you measure improvements.

AIMS:

• To extend skills and knowledge about relaxation
• To introduce 14 relaxation training techniques
• To provide a practical framework within which to apply these techniques with clients/patients
• To demonstrate how improvements can be measured

Programme:

WHY SHOULD I BE DOING THIS? 10:00am
What happens when we are stressed? The Stress Response (maintenance of symptoms; fatigue). What happens when we are consciously relaxed (the relaxation response; incompatability between Stress Response and Relaxation Response). Brainwave patterns. Why is relaxation important (positive effects on good health and well being; effects on the brain; evidence base).

Coffee 11:00am

WHAT IS THIS APPROACH? 11:30am
What is it? The link to martial arts, elite athletes, special forces and managers. 14 techniques. The role of the amygdala and how to influence it. Choosing relaxation over stress. How to use breath to effect change. How to positively influence brainwave patterns. Living in the present moment. How to train neural circuits to enhance health. How to relax without trying.

Lunch 12.30pm

HOW CAN I USE IT WITH MY CLIENTS/PATIENTS? 1:30pm
Training using stress scenes. Model patient session. Use of biofeedback devices. Homework for the client/patient.

Coffee 2:30pm

WHAT DIFFERENCE HAS IT MADE? 3:00pm
How to measure improvement. Symptom reduction. Symptom management. Positive Attitude. Self-efficacy and Control. Use of technology. Reflective practice.

4:00pm Finish