Stress has many implicators. It may be triggered intrinsically or by exterior forces.figth-or-flight is the bodies answer to stress. This mobilising impulse of the organism may act as a coping mechanism for the circumstances and aid in solving the situation, allowing one to experience the stress in a positive manor (eustress). But under adverse conditions the reaction creates anxiety and the sympathetic activation of the autonomic nervous system leads to an inhibition of appropriate actions (disstress). Chronic stress and lack of recreational time can end in depression and illness.

Breath and voice interact and are inseparably connected. When considering the reactions to stress and its effects on the organism breath plays a key role . Similarly to body tension, muscle tonus and emotion breath is directly affected by the autonomic nervous system; on the other hand breath can also be controlled by the somatic nervous system which enables breath to have a positive effect on the organisms reactions to stress. By this way breath and voice can be trained to have a positive influence on the outcome of the stress reaction.

The workshop will include methods and exercises within the Schlaffhorst-Andersen concept that are designed to improve breath function, voice, movement and posture. There will be an introduction to “Schwingen”, an exercise which focuses on the experience of ones balance systems, as well as diverse exercises to improve breath rhythm, breath flow and breath strength. All exercises train awareness which is particularly useful whilst working with breath and voice but also a prerequisite for handling unavoidable distress in an appropriate way. The functions of voice that influences breathing and movement will be trained as well as functions of breath and movement that improve voice.