Back from Holiday - In need of Another one

This is the time of year where most people were lucky enough to have enjoyed some time off during the summer. How refreshing are those days where you can let go of the normal routine of a busy life. It is a scary realisation though, that once you return to work how quickly the benefits of holiday seem to get replaced by stress. Lots have been said about the evils of stress and the negative effect it can have on our health. "Chronic stress is like slow poison" (King).

This is absolutely true, however it needs to be seen in perspective and some stress is absolutely necessary for living. The important factor is to find a balance between stress and recovery. Most people find it difficult to justify time for relaxation. If you are used to a fast paced life with constant high demands you might find it difficult to relax, battling feelings of guilt for not being productive. It is good to remind ourselves of the many benefits relaxation holds.

• It releases serotonin also called the "happy hormone"
• It releases muscle tension
• Improves digestion
• Clarifies thinking
• Strengthens immune system
• Improves quality of sleep
• Reduces the symptoms of stress
• Slows breathing down, reduces heart rate

We all want to feel in control of our lives and when you return to a busy schedule you might be tempted to look for quick fixes to reduce stress. These often include caffeine, high sugar foods and alcohol. These give the impression that they relieve tension but the short term effect wears off quickly and a spiral effect takes place leaving you worse off in the long run.

The bottom line is that there is no easy fix - the answer is a lifestyle that combats stress. This includes:

• Regular exercise
• A balanced and energy sustaining diet
• Relaxation techniques
• Activities that calm you
• Activities you find pleasure in
• Be pro-active and plan holidays/time off work, do not wait for exhaustion before thinking about a break

Making changes to your lifestyle can be hard. However, the benefits from a lifestyle change far outweigh the sacrifice in the long run. For guidance and support in this process please look at the services we offer at Central Health Physiotherapy. You might benefit from seeing one of our personal trainers, massage therapists, dietician or nutritionist.

Corli Steyn, Occupational Therapist, Hospital of St. John and St. Elizabeth

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