Stress in the workplace causes the biggest loss of working days, which is a big problem in the UK. In 2015/16 there were 11 million days lost to stress and this affects both the employee through loss of quality of life, and the employer through productivity.
Stress can be associated with chronic illness such as heart disease, anxiety, depression and in some cases, musculoskeletal problems; causing long term damage to the heart, blood pressure, immune, digestive and reproductive systems, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and fertility problems. Stress costs money.
Stress is a physiological reaction when the body can no longer cope with pressure, be it from work, emotional issues or psychological issues. Stress causes the body to react to undue pressure by causing an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and sweating which intern causes a decrease in digestion and reproduction.
The body is designed to cope with short term stress, to cope with immediate danger, allowing the ‘fight or flight’ response, where chemical changes allow the body to prepare for a physical reaction, be it fighting or running from danger.
Exercise is a good way of relieving stress but is not for everyone, so it is important to recognise what it is that helps you to relax and have time to rest.
Reflexology is a way to relax as it means that you are sitting still for up to an hour, having your feet massaged, which works on the nervous system to calm and relax, improves blood and lymph flow to improve oxygen levels and removal of body waste; resulting in a happier state of mind and a feeling of wellbeing.