In the fast-paced, ‘go-getting’ world of today, growing numbers of people are finding it increasingly difficult to rid themselves of or even manage stress and its associated symptoms. For most, work commitments dominate the week, while weekend arrangements leave little time for calm and peace. Added to this, economic pressures and the increasing cost of living are leaving many financially stressed and worried. In fact, statistics indicate that South Africans experience the eighth highest stress levels globally!

There is now a scientific solution to overcoming and managing such stress. StressFit, was globally researched and developed in South Africa. It is an internationally recognised mindfulness based stress resilience programme.

The programme teaches clients a range of techniques which help them to focus their minds, thus becoming more resilient to everyday stress and the physical, mental and emotional symptoms which stress induces. These may include such things as hypertension (high blood pressure), headaches, insomnia, perspiration, eczema and mental and emotional symptoms which vary from panic attacks, phobias and concentration problems, to rage, depression or post traumatic stress disorder. Yes, it is probably easier to list symptoms that aren’t linked to stress.

The main goal of the StressFit programme is to help the client to mindfully engage the relaxation response. Registered StressFit practitioner, Stephan Marais explains. ‘An easy way to explain the relaxation response is to imagine the stress response at one end of the spectrum and the sleep response on the other. The stress response is where we function every day, doing all the things that need to get done and thinking and worrying about all that hasn't been done. Then we engage the sleep response. Right in the middle of these two is the relaxation response. Very few of us actually engage this response regularly and effectively, and this is what I do. I teach you to be aware of the relaxation response and to mindfully engage this response.’

To aid clients, the programme includes the use of a biofeedback device called the StressEraser, which measures a client’s heart rate variability by monitoring their pulse. This allows the client to see real-time data on how effectively they are engaging the relaxation response.

Research at the Sports Science Institute has shown that the StressFit programme also improves a person’s cognitive functioning and concentration, especially when faced with difficult work tasks. Thus, StressFit is increasingly being used by companies such as Vodacom, Momentum Health, Glenrand MIB and Discovery Health as part of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Yes, if endless worry is affecting your or your employees’ health, you should try StressFit; before you try medication or psychotherapy.

For more information or to book a consultation, contact Stephan Marais on 073-718-4916 or via email at stressfit@gmail.com. Alternatively visit the website at www.stressfit.com