 point of obesity or anorexia)
• Cardiovascular problems (leading to heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure)
• Digestive problems (such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal cramps, diarrhea, constipation)
• Muscular aches and pains
• Immune system disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, etc.)
• Hormonal disorders (hyper-, hypothyroid, diabetes, etc.)
• Skin problems (unidentified rashes, eczema, psoriasis, hives, etc.)
Over the past 20 to 30 years the area of stress management has become one of the medical profession's greatest concerns. General practitioners, various specialties within the profession, psychologists and complementary care workers, including bodyworkers such as massage therapists, have devoted a lot of their time trying to reduce and relieve stress in their clients.
For the most part it may turn out that stress cannot be totally avoided, but there are ways to build energy reserves and reduce the effect stress has on life.
1. Practice deep breathing - Breathing is necessary for life. Breathing deeply gives the body an abundance of this requirement, which in turn helps to decrease stress and anxiety.
2. Drink a lot of water - Drinking a lot of clean, pure water is also vital for life. Taking in an adequate amount of water helps to eliminate toxins and metabolic waste.
3. Eat healthy foods - Eating fresh, unprocessed foods gives the body the balance of minerals, vitamins and nourishments it needs to maintain good health.
4. Meditate and pray - Putting aside time for peace and quiet helps to relax both the mind and body.
5. Exercise moderately - Too much or too little exercise can cause tension as well as exhaustion in the body. Moderate exercise is energizing. It helps to increase circulation and gives a boost to the immune system.
6. Find balance in your life - Make time for both work and play. Include creativity in your life. Too much of any one activity is not good and can lead to burnout or even physical illness.
7. Be kind - Be kind not only to others, but to yourself as well. Nurturing relationships lends itself to creating a support system that may be needed in times of extreme stress.
8. Get a regular massage - The act of giving and receiving a massage increases the production of oxytocin and other hormones that promote relaxation. It also reduces the production of stress hormones. Massage therapy increases blood and lymph circulation and promotes the elimination of toxins that accumulate in the body during stress.
Above all remember to be patient with yourself and others. The stress you feel is often relative to how you perceive the world around you.
To quote the Dalai Lama, "If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to
worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then also there is no need to worry."
Benjamin, Patricia J. "Massage in the Age of Aquarius: The Pivotal Decade of the 1970s." A Look Back. American Massage Therapy Association, 2001. Web. 6 Jul 2010. http://www.amtamassage.org/journal/win02/alookback.html.
Rosch, Paul, MD, FACP. "Reminiscences of Hans Selye, and the Birth of 'Stress.'" American Institute of Stress, n.d. Web. 6 Jul 2010. .
Selye, Hans, MD, PhD, DSc. The Stress of Life. 2nd. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1956, 1978. Print.
"Stress Prevention with Healthy Lifestyle Choices." Gentle Stress Relief for Peace, Health & Happiness. Gentle-Stress-Relief.com, 14 June 2010. Web. 1 Jul 2010. http://www.gentle stress-relief.com/stress-prevention.html.