Introduction
According to the World Health Organization, stress is one of the leading health problems. Stress is known to cause physical sicknesses such as stomach ulcers and cardiovascular diseases. It also causes psychological conditions such as low self esteem. Other health problems associated with stress include asthma, severe headaches, reproductive disorders, nervous breakdown among others. People suffering from mental or physical stress are also said to be less productive (Varvogli & Darviri, 2011). Thus, to improve productivity and the general wellbeing of its employees, a company ought to offer stress management program. The purpose of s stress management program is to help employees manage environmental stressors. All factors considered, Transcendental Mediation seems to be the most appropriate stress management technique for employees dealing with environmental stressors.
Transcendental Mediation technique
When undertaken carefully, Transcendental Mediation (TM) is an effortless and simple to administrate stress management technique. Unlike Transcendental Meditation Movement, TM is not a religion and has very little to do with spiritual healing. It helps a patient improve his or her psychological awareness and wakefulness through a series of mantras. Mantras are defined as meaningless but calming sounds that can only be mediated. This implies that these sounds can only be experienced through meditation and cannot be verbalized. Patients undergoing TM are advised not to share their mantras with others. Patients are supposed to take 15 to 20 minutes session of meditation twice every day. During each session, a patient meditates on his or her mantra in a deep restful state. This allows the patient to gain absolute wakefulness, which is different from daydreaming. Research indicates that regular TM enables patients reduce the effects of multiple environmental stressors by reinstating normal body functions. It also improves frontal and central cognitive activity. TM is also said to improve neuroimaging as well as cerebral blood flows (Varvogli & Darviri, 2011).
Time frame
TM is an effortless and time limited stress management technique. Patients can be trained through a seven step program. The seven step program begins with introductory lesson, which are followed by four teaching sessions and a final recap session. Each session takes between one and a half to two hours. Training must be administered by a qualified TM teacher. During training, the TM teacher gives feedback to the patient about progress. This implies that successful TM training can take seven days. However, it is important to allow one day internalization period between sessions (Varvogli & Darviri, 2011). As such, TM can successfully be undertaken in two weeks.
Cost and materials
Unlike other stress management techniques, TM does not require specialized equipment. Nevertheless, each patient requires private sessions with a TM teacher. As such, a secluded space is vital for successful training. Since TM is to be undertaken in a corporate setting, a meditation room seems relevant. TM can only be undertaken by a qualified TM instructor, and as such hiring one seems relevant. These two are the relevant ‘materials’ for TM (Herron, 2011).
The cost of TM services has increased tremendously over the years. However, TM experts develop a costing structure based on the patient’s needs and level of patient’s annual income. The cost for group clients is cheaper than the cost for individuals. Full TM training costs an average of US $ 1500 per individual and US $ 400 for a personal mantra. The company can pay almost half the cost per individual for a group policy. Additionally, one of the rooms within the company premises can be modified for TM sessions. Refurbishment work is likely to cost not more than US $ 1500 (Herron, 2011).
Advantages of Transcendental Meditation
As indicated earlier, TM is an effortless and time-limited therapy. TM is also a cost effective method of managing stress. Additionally, there are numerous benefits such as improved wakefulness and awareness associated with TM. Other than improving people’s ability to deal with environmental stressors, TM also enhances better mental and physical health. Furthermore, research indicates that TM is associated with improved emotional intelligence. Improved emotional intelligence accrues numerous benefits for individuals, such as enhancing emotional response to environmental stressors, the ability to refute negative emotions, increased awareness of ones emotional needs and the ability to meet those needs (Varvogli & Darviri, 2011). There are also numerous demerits associated with TM. TM requires total patient cooperation. Additionally, many people are likely to associate TM with Buddhism. Atheists are also likely to perceive TM as being too spiritual and thus reject it (Herron, 2011).
Working in a busy organization is likely to expose employees to environmental stressors. This negatively affects employee’s mental and physical wellness. This leads to reduced productivity. To protect employee’s wellbeing as well as sustain high productivity, the company should offer TM to its employees as the main stress management techniques. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the company develops a wellness program based on TM.
Conclusion
Stress is one of the leading health concerns globally. It is associated with numerous mental and physical health problems. Working in a busy organization is likely to expose employees to environmental stressors. This affects employees’ wellbeing thus reducing their productivity. To protect employee’s wellbeing and sustain high level productivity, employers ought to help employees manage stress. Thus stress management techniques seem relevant. There are numerous stress management techniques. However, transcendental meditation seems to be the most beneficial as it enables people to deal with emotional and physical stress. This not only improves the general well being but also enhances productivity.
Reference List
Herron, R. (2011). Changes in Physician Costs among High-Cost Transcendental Meditation Practitioners Compared With High-Cost Nonpractitioners Over 5 Years. American Journal of Health Promotion, 26(1) 56-60.
Varvogli, L. & Darviri, C. (2011). Stress management techniques: evidence-based procedures that reduce stress and promote health. Health Science Journal, 5(2) 74 – 89. Web.