A UK Mintel/YouGov survey published last week revealed the alarming
extent of the current epidemic of stress and depression.

Two thirds of UK adults are currently experiencing bouts of
depression or anxiety. Almost 90 per cent of the population have
experienced more than one period of depression. Depressive illnesses
cost the UK economy 10 billion GB pounds per year.

Over 40% of sufferers cite relationship problems as the root of
their suffering. A similar number cite workplace problems.

One third of those who were distressed enough to consult their GPs,
attributed their situation to financial problems.

What can We Do To Cope Better?
------------------------------

Below is a checklist of stress and depression management techniques
we can draw on to empower our lives and keep us healthy when we come
under pressure. This list forms the basis of my forthcoming 5-week
course (see below):

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"Stress - Some Quick-fix Solutions!"
======================================

Simple & rapid practical and holistic solutions to living or working
under pressure!

* "Burnout" - some quick remedies
* "Laughter therapy" techniques
* "Safety valves" & "Escape hatches" for overwhelming stress
* Anger management - for self, others
* Assertiveness tips
* Bodywork exercises that relieve stress
* Breathing techniques
* Conflict management tips
* Conversation tips that relieve stress
* Emotion & Tension clearing techniques
* Escaping Addictions
* Foods and Drinks that relieve stress
* Liberation from Criticism & Guilt
* Managing personal energy - avoiding energy drains
* Meditation exercises (static & moving)
* Quick ways to lift spirits
* Relaxation exercises
* Spiritual practises for stress relief
* Stress fixing tips from: reflexology, Shiatsu, yoga, cognitive
therapy
* Stress self-awareness exercises
* Stress self-test questionnaires
* Stress tips from the animal world
* Stress-relief devices
* Stress-relieving Meditations
* Talking therapy techniques
* Time management tips
* Tips for dismantling self-sabotage
* Tips for dismantling vicious cycles of stress
* Tips for managing "personal space"
* Transforming stress into: playfulness, wisdom, creativity,
healing.
* Ways to control stress
* Ways to deal with relationship stress
* Ways to get into a skilful state for decision-making

======================================
"Stress - Some Quick-fix Solutions!"
======================================
A 5-week Course Beginning 25th April 2006 Tuesday Evenings 7.30-9.30
pm at Impington Village College - just outside Cambridge close to
the A14. [Booking details below]

Learn how to move quickly from negativity, overactive mind, anxiety,
worry or emotional distress to a state of emotional positivity and
mental ease - a skilful state for decision-making or handling
problems, a condition where the mind is calm and you feel relaxed
and at ease with life.

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Overview of this course
=======================
Open to people of any ability or experience - participants can
work at their own pace.

The course will consist mainly of Individual, Group & Partnered
exercises, plus short talks and group discussions.

The content will not aim to be comprehensive but cover a wide range
of useful tips and techniques, focussing on the needs and interests
of participants wherever possible.

* Learn some simple & rapid holistic solutions to living or working
under pressure!

* Learn how to move quickly from negativity, overactive mind,
anxiety, worry or emotional distress to a state of emotional
positivity and mental ease - a skilful state for decision-making or
handling problems, a condition where the mind is calm and you feel
relaxed and at ease with life.

* After a hectic, stressful day, or a heated argument, or a
personal loss or failure, or a setback to our dreams we often find
that we are miserable, tense, agitated or weary and it is all too
easy to fall into "comfort eating", "comfort drinking", drug-
dependency (medicinal or recreational) or "couch potato" lifestyle
to ease our suffering. Unfortunately, over a period
of time, these short-term fixes can end up adding to our problems
instead of reducing them.

* In this course, stress consultant and physiologist, Dr. Mike
Meredith will show you simple holistic techniques that can empower
you to "bounce back" from suffering or dependency and free you from
the demons of self-sabotaging behaviour. We will be practising tried
and tested holistic (working with mind, body, spirit and emotions)
techniques to relieve uncomfortable feelings and move us towards a
more harmonious, integrated and skilful state of being.!
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More about the course, booking information & location can be found
online at: http://www.sunflower-health.com/workshops.htm
Or telephone Impington Village College Community Education Office:
01223-200411 - they are open for booking 9.30am-1pm Mon-Thurs.
*** Last date for booking = Monday April 24th ***
(Cash, credit card or cheque accepted)