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STRESS RELIEF FACTSHEET

Simple massage/Therapeutic massage:

Massage therapy is one way to effectively reduce stress levels.

Stress results in the muscles of the neck and shoulder becoming very tense. This leads to stiffness, headaches and even more stress. It is possible to reduce and eventually stop the cycle by continuously performing a 15-minute Hellerwork self-massage. Perform the massage at least once a day, even if you're not feeling stressed. The reason for this is that it is also a very good preventive measure as well as a reliever.

Human touch can have a very noticeable effect on physical and emotional wellbeing. Massage therapy is a therapeutic process that uses the power of touch by hands, elbows or feet. Massage is comforting and soothing, letting go of toxins from tissue and dispersing lactic acid. Massage also releases Endorphins which are the body's natural feel good hormone

A simple back massage or foot massage has been known to greatly reduce stress and send the recipient into a super-relaxed state. Studies have shown that massage allows the nervous system to normalize itself, resulting in a reduction in many stress-related conditions, such as palpitations, negative emotional feelings and raised blood pressure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stress relief strategies:

This factsheet is devoted to tackling stress. All that’s required is a commitment to change and some simple tools that will help you achieve a more relaxed life.

Every human is made in a way that can recognise body hazards such as stress. Once recognised the body will respond with 'fight or flight’.

Stress causes a lot of harm to the body if it is not dealt with properly. Many recent studies show that prolonged severe stress has a very negative impact on health. It can cause hundreds of symptoms and complications such as minor high blood pressure to serious infertility. Constant stress will weaken the body an immune system leading to degenerating health.

In extreme cases, stress can cause serious psychological problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Cumulative Stress Disorder. Almost everyone will suffer some kind of stress in their life. It is important to tackle it straight away but without worrying about it as this will just increase the stress levels

Signs of stress:

 Millions of people suffer from stress in life and share common symptoms. It is easy to notice if your friend or relative is showing signs of stress but far harder to recognise the symptoms in yourself. Common Symptoms and Signs are:
  1. Regularly walking, eating or working in a rushed way.
  2. Regularly thinking and worrying about the past or future.
  3. Frequent tension in the body which often goes unnoticed until that person eventually slows down, breathes deeply and carefully surveys the body.
  4. Feeling like you have the "weight of the world" on your shoulders.
  5. Emotionally "edgy."
  6. Constantly tired during the day.
  7. A high need of a lift for example, coffee, food, sex, TV, alcohol, money etc.

Stress relief:

If you have opted to beat stress on your own rather than decide to see a counsellor or stress management team then these are some tips to help you on your way. This stress relief help is established and has helped hundreds of people to recovery. The Following list is comprised of tips on how to reduce your stress levels.
  1. Add something beautiful to your life on a daily basis
  2. Take part in enjoyable activities.
  3. Walk, work, and eat at a relaxed pace.
  4. Have a short break after meals to relax.
  5. Try to get outside at least once a day and enjoy the weather, scenery, fresh air etc.
  6. Try to stop and be aware of the tension in your body. Breath deeply and gently stretch and relax any tense areas.
  7. Do not worry about the past or future, take a minute to breathe deeply and focus on else.
  8. Try to wear comfortable and loose clothing when possible.
  9. Try to avoid holding in feelings everyday, but instead, find an outlet where you can release them.

 

Stress facts:

 The following facts are from various surveys and state the seriousness of stress.
  1. 75% of the general population experiences at least "some stress" every two weeks (National Health Interview Survey).
  2. Half of those experience moderate or high levels of stress during the same two-week period.
  3. Millions of Americans suffer from unhealthy levels of stress at work. (A study several years ago estimated the number to be 11 million - given events since that time, this number has certainly more than tripled - studies in Sweden, Canada, and other Westernized countries show similar trends.)
  4. Worker's compensation claims for "mental stress" in California raised 200-700% in the 1980s (whereas all other causes remained stable or declined!)
  5. Stress contributes to heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and other illnesses in many individuals.
  6. Stress also affects the immune system, which protects us from many serious diseases.
  7. Tranquilizers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications account for one fourth of all prescriptions written in the U.S. each year.
  8. Stress also contributes to the development of alcoholism, obesity, suicide, drug addiction, cigarette addiction, and other harmful behaviours.
  9. The U.S. Public Health Service has made reducing stress by the year 2000 one of its major health promotion goals