Stress – what is it and why does it affect us?
The Oxford dictionary defines stress as “mental, emotional, or physical strain caused, for example by anxiety or overwork”. We should however remember stress is not necessarily harmful – positive stress can make you more creative and constructive. Negative stress, however, is paralyzing and destructive – resulting in loss of productivity. It is no surprise that stress can have a huge effect on the ability of employees to cope and be productive at work.
Stressed employees = Diminished productivity = Diminished profits
We need to deal with stress more effectively to maximize our potential, and we need to invest in ourselves in order maintain vitality. Good health is more than just the absence of illness; rather, it is a very robust state of physical and emotional well-being. We need to learn how to harness stress, so that it can work for us and make us more productive rather than be a destructive factor.
Fight or flight?
Today, many of us live in a perpetual state of fight or flight. The survival of humankind was dependent upon the ability to swiftly react to danger and opportunity. Today, it is very rare that we are exposed to tangible physical danger, yet we still operate in this state of fight or flight. The response systems are activated by emotional distress, when you feel threatened, upset, scared, embarrassed or under valued. Over a prolonged period of time this state of “fight or flight” jeopardizes our immune system, depletes our adrenals and leads to burnout and other conditions like chronic fatigue and depression.
Because many of us exist with our alarm system permanently activated, our body is always in a state of flight/fight rather than growth and healing. It is important to learn how to relax and rejuvenate the body thereby building resilience and stamina.
Relaxation comes from inside, there is no way to force it from the outside. You cannot command another person to relax and you cannot force yourself to relax – but you can learn to let go of unnecessary tension quickly.
Jin Shin Jyutsu helps build resilience
Although each treatment is a unique experience, the most common effect is that of deep relaxation – and who doesn’t welcome an opportunity to let go of stress and restore our energy levels? A Jin Shin Jyutsu session allows you to truly rest and will give you a feeling of rejuvenation – contact us today to book a Jin Shin Jyutsu session. Visit our page on Jin Shin Jyutsu, or we welcome you to contact us directly so that we may answer your questions.