In patients at risk for cardiovascular events who are under increased psychosocial stress, a stress management programme can be considered as part of an overall preventive strategy.

In general, the goal of a stress management program is to reduce the impact in the individual of stressful environmental events and to better regulate the stress response.

Interventions may be considered at several levels

• Removal or alteration of the stressor
• Change in perception of the stressful event
• Reduction in the physiologic sequelae of stress
• Use of alternative coping strategies

Stress Management techniques typically include components of

• Muscular relaxation
• A quiet environment
• Passive attitude
• Deep breathing with the repetition of a word or phrase.

The Physiological changes produce include

• Decreased oxygen consumption
• Reduced heart and respiratory rate
• Passive attitude
• Muscular relaxation

The addition of a psychological component to exercise training produces significant benefits

• Reduced Depression
• Smaller reduction in heart function during mental stress
• Reduced heart wall changes
• Improved compliance with medications
• Reduction in blood pressure

* Taken from work by Geoffrey H Tofler.

The Nu-Life Rejuvenation Programme includes the availability of a psychological counsellor should you feel this to be worthwhile.

Certainly the fitter you are the better your handle all forms of stress.

A series of specially designed relaxation tapes will be available from our store in the near future.

Posted: January 14th, 2011 under Health Related.