Activity: Dealing with Stress and Tension This activity focuses on: - creating an understanding of the mechanics of stress; - alleviating stress in those body parts that are generally effected by stress and tensions; - strengthening the physical and nervous system; - introducing techniques to relax, release stress, and meet stressful situations in an assured manner. The activity is of interest to:  managers and employees of institutions, organisations and companies, and in particular to those that are in situations of re-organisation, re-orientation, expansion, etc. In these cases, dealing with stress and tension can be effectively combined with Team Building and Communication activities, as well as with Planning for Change, Management Reviews, and Monitoring and Evaluation of organisational strategies, activities and projects.  The activity is important for groups in stressful conditions. These can be, for example, adolescent groups, women groups, etc. but also groups that bring together sufferers of a specific disease (such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, …), or those confronted with problematic situations (such as violence, poverty, etc.). This activity is an entry point for sessions about Overcoming Anger, Fear and Sorrow; Healing the Trauma of Conflict and Violence; Coming to Terms with Illness and Death. This activity includes:  discussions about stress, its causes and symptoms;  exercises to take away stress and physical blockages, and to strengthen the physical and nervous system  meditations that can be used to release stress, to relax, and to meet stressful situations in an assured manner.  nutritional and lifestyle suggestions Duration: This activity can be conducted in:  a series of  1 - 2 hour classes, one-day workshops, or multi-day workshops