Character strengths

I’ve just finished running, for the first time, an 8 week programme on Stress Management & Relief and have been reflecting on the feedback from the course.

Effect on wellbeing …

In this programme, I integrated techniques from yoga (postures, breath and mindfulness) with a focus on developing and using strengths and I was hugely struck by how positively impactful the programme has been on an individual’s wellbeing.

All of the participants were asked ‘What effect (if any) has this programme had on any of the following: Your overall wellbeing; Your management of stress; Your management of problems; and to rate accordingly

• A lot higher/better
• No change
• A lot worse/lower

And all reported A lot higher/better.

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What they said …

How small actions can stack up and make a difference to how you manage stressful situations – it’s given me a whole toolbox to work with!

This is the course for some time to yourself, time to reflect, take care and relieve any stress. Highly recommended for the fast pace lifestyles we lead.

I looked forward to each session. I learnt a lot about techniques and now have a tool box I can use … I will miss my daily emails – I imagine them in golden colours when they come into my inbox, a little ray of sunshine. Thank you.

• 

The rationale …

I specifically designed the programme with the idea in mind of helping people to flourish through developing their own strategies for managing stress in the long term as well as by providing them with practical tips and techniques for relieving every day stresses.

If you turn up to a yoga class once a week you are likely to experience a certain amount of stress relief simply through focusing on mindful movement to the breath and research has shown that just a single yoga session can lower levels of cortisol^[1].

But to actively manage stress, regular habits need to be cultivated so that you can consciously help yourself to manage your emotions, calm yourself and shift your stress^[1].

Research from positive psychology links the use of strengths with mindful yoga in managing stress and building resilience and composure^[2] and reveals that people who use their strengths a lot are 18 times more likely to be flourishing than those who do not use their strengths^[3].

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References:

1. An introduction to Yoga. A Harvard Medical School Special Health Report. Available from http://www.health.harvard.edu/
2. Niemic RM. Mindfulness & Character Strengths: A Practical Guide to Flourishing. Hogrefe, 2014.
3. What are Character Strengths? VIA Institute on Character website. https://www.viacharacter.org/

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I’m running this course again for individuals starting 12th January 2020. Find out more …

If you are interested in finding out how this would work in an organisational setting, please don’t hesitate to contact Kate Dickens kated@latitudecoaching.com