Variety of methods aid in stress management

by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

The first thing to know about stress is that nowhere is there no stress, according to Dr. Barbara J. Houk, psychiatrist and director at the Dysart Institute. In fact a little stress is beneficial, even necessary, as a motivator, Houk said.

"Stress is our mechanism to get things done," Houk said.

But too much stress can become anxiety, which can eventually manifest itself in physical illness if not checked, she said.

One thing Houk tries the get across to her patients who are dealing with stressful conflict at work is that if stress is caused by a tyrannical boss or extreme pressure in the corporate world, the person does not have to remain in the job that is causing the problem.

An entrepreneurial person can start his or her own business, or an employee with special skills can find another position. One should not feel stuck in a place that puts them at risk for stress-related medical problems.

On a milder lever, if stress on the job is brought on by daily chores piling up, there are things a person can do to relieve the tension and still perform at an optimum level of efficiency.

There are a number of stress-relieving exercises, both physical and mental, that people can do throughout the workday without interfering with job performance. Surroundings in the office can also have a positive or negative impact.

A person should do little things to please themselves when things get tense, and an individual in a high-stress job should have plenty of open space in his or her home to counter-balance the crowded, busy office, Houk said.

St. John's Health Works has educators who go to businesses to hold classes about stress for company executives and employees.

According to Dana Hukel, health styles educator for the program, the initial purpose of the program was to help cardiac patients.

However, several area companies, big and small, have seen the benefit of the program for anyone in the workplace and have taken advantage of it for themselves and their employees.

People are becoming more aware of health and prevention issues and how important they are to general well-being.

"Many people are starting to use the holistic approach to treat the whole person before illness starts," Hukel said.

The four 30-minute classes Health Works provides can be conducted in a single day or split into four different days if the business owner prefers.

The first class identifies stress and stress management. It is followed by a session on relaxation techniques.

The third session involves the positive thinking approach and the fourth covers exercise, diet and assertiveness training.

The educator passes out handouts to participants and there is a fee for the program.

Once an individual has learned to identify and manage stress to stay healthy, they may want to go a step further and learn the ancient art of yoga.

The benefit of yoga practice is in the effect on the breathing pattern, muscle tone and organs, according to Loa Freeman, owner and director of Success Naturally, 1440 E. Lark.

Yoga exercise increases the healing flow of endorphins throughout the body, helping the system ward off disease and reducing the amount of stress and tension one feels, Freeman said.

Specific sequences of poses are designed to improve breathing, while promoting total well-being in the process, Freeman said.

Freeman works with a number of women in business to help them deal with work-related stress.

She also helps clients manage menopause symptoms that arise during the workday.

According to Freeman, doctors have long been aware of the benefit of yoga for people with cardiovascular disease, and many local physicians refer patients to her studio.

Freeman works with some people in private sessions to address specific health problems, and the studio has several group sessions per week for people who want to improve their stamina and overall health.

"If people are consistent and diligent with yoga, it always brings positive results," Freeman said.

To incorporate the positive influence of space along with the benefit of the exercises, Freeman has utilized the ancient art of feng shui in her business.

With the aid of feng shui practitioner Sharon Cates, Freeman chose the location of her studio and the design and placement of the fixtures following feng shui principals.