Last week I shared a post here at Footsteps In Eden Reflexology that took a peek at the Hustle-Bustle Hwy and the accompanying seasonal stress just ahead. You and I know it as The Holidays. For many the anticipation of celebration with family and friends and the time to reflect on the true meaning of the season crashes into our need to get so much done (and done perfectly — at least as perfection looks in our eyes). Overwhelming stress may be the result.
I’ve gone back in the archives, and brought out an article I wrote several years ago on this very topic of stress. I pray you find it helpful as a reason to rethink the importance of some of those “done perfectly” things, and as a reason to consider taking care of yourself, too, during this overly busy time. Reflexology may be an answer. (NOTE: I requested an extra long reflexology time myself this week — because personal stress and some overindulgence had taken their toll.) Here’s the article.
This photo from Stock Vault photos is entitled, “Releasing the Demons.” That is a STRESSFUL thought. In my humble opinion this photo is a depiction of STRESS. . . and STRESS is our topic here!
Look at these STRESS statistics compiled for a recent REFLEXOLOGY presentation.
*7 out of every 10 people who die each year had been living with a chronic illness.
*1 out of every 2 of us in now living with a chronic illness.
*For 3 of every 4 of those with a chronic illness, STRESS may be a contributing factor.
(American Medical Association)
*A full 43% of US adults suffer adverse effects from STRESS.
(American Psychological Association)
*More than 80% of physician office visits are associated with unresolved stress issues.
*Stress is a big factor in more than 75% of all illnesses diagnosed today with many studies putting this figure closer to 90%.
(www.About.com)
*Depression, only one type of stress reaction, is predicted to be the leading occupational disease of the 21st centruy, responsible for more days lost than any other single factor.
*$300 Billion, or $7,500 per employee, is spent annually in the US on stress-related compensation claims, reduced productivity, absenteeism, health insurance costs, direct medical expenses (nearly 50% higher for workers who report stress), and employee turnover.
(www.stressdirections.com)
Are those statistics startling and unsettling to you? After my mind has been blown by them, I’m equally saddened by the same.
How did our culture get to the point where so many are so stressed out? There are many reasons, to be sure, and no simple answers to reversing these disheartening trends. Fact is continuous chronic stress potentially leads to low thyroid function, adrenal fatigue, and eventually adreanal exhaustion where our “fight or flight” glands can no longer keep up with the demands placed upon them. The adrenals, created to kick in during those occasional moments of fright or unusually stressful situations, are being called into full-time active duty. They most likely will not be able to keep pace with the continuous chronic stress attacking from many directions, which may lead to many more health challenges on every level of body, mind and spirit.
While serious lifestyle changes may certainly be called for, and this writer strongly believes most all of us would be healthier for those choices, as stated above there are no simple answers. One excellent tool for controlling stress is REFLEXOLOGY. RELAXATION & STRESS REDUCTION ARE REFLEXOLOGY’S NUMBER ONE BENEFIT. With all of this in mind, it is easy to see how all systems of the body may be positively affected by this therapeutic caring touch.
To learn more about REFLEXOLOGY’s benefits for STRESS and MUCH MORE visit About.com’s article, “Cancel Out Stress with Reflexology.”
Living in the Memphis, TN area? To schedule your own stress relieving REFLEXOLGY session, please visit our Footsteps In Eden site. In other locations a good source for locating professional reflexologists in your area is the website of Reflexology Association of America.
