Anxiety and depression both often result from chronic habitual patterns of responding to stress. Certain postural patterns are  also associated with these conditions. For example, agitation, a frequently scattered attention, mind-wandering or drifting off, rushing, and hunching and slumping may indicate a constant state of ‘red alert’. These patterns are exhausting and can result in premature ageing, lack of sleep, headaches, and a variety of other aches and pains. They can also contribute to several serious stress-related illnesses. Chronic stress can create mental over-stimulation – generating repetitive thoughts that interfere with ease of living. Chronic emotional distress and irritability can also result, damaging relationships with family, friends and colleagues.

The Alexander Technique is a powerful tool for self-awareness on many levels, and a means whereby habitual patterns can be unlearned and released. An Alexander Technique teacher can help you to recognise your unconscious habits, show you how to release chronic stress, and use your mind and body more effectively, in a way that allows and contributes to a more relaxed and calmer way of being. By helping you to recognise what you are doing, and how to return to a calmer state of mind with less associated physical stress and holding, these chronic patterns can be changed to ones that better support your functioning.

The release of chronic tension is able dramatically to relieve backache, arthritis, insomnia, and various other non-specific consequences of chronic stress-related tension.

As a result of the Alexander Technique, many people enjoy a significantly improved sense of general well being, and their quality of life is enhanced on all levels – physical, mental, and emotional.