Stress is a worldwide epidemic. Stress-related illness costs UK industry millions of pounds every year. According to research commissioned by the Government’s Health and Safety Executive, there is a clear link between stress and ill health. It is generally accepted that modern living can be very stressful, so it is important to understand the causes of stress, to differentiate between good and bad stress and how complementary therapies, like Reiki, can help to manage stress.
Not all stress is harmful. Many people do their best work when stressed. The need to achieve and the drive to obtain success can in themselves be helpful rather than harmful factors and may contribute to a harmonious lifestyle. Much outstanding work in the fields of science, arts and business has been attained under conditions of stress. Therefore it is necessary to look at stress, it’s causes and the factors which can make it harmful.
There are several types of stress that people experience, and they each affect people differently. There is Eustress, which is considered ‘good stress’ for a reason—it keeps us feeling vital, alive, and excited about living. There is also Acute stress, which comes and goes quickly. These types of stress aren’t especially harmful in manageable doses, though too much of either can lead to a greater risk of experiencing chronic stress, which is the damaging type of stress that we often hear about when we hear about the harmful effects of stress. Chronic stress comes from situations where our stress response is triggered again and again, and when our bodies don’t return to their pre-stressed state. This type of stress often comes from conflicted relationships, over-packed schedules, and, yes, stressful jobs.
Job stress is widely experienced, and so pervasive that it’s been found to affect people from all industries, ranks and socio-economic status levels. So much of our lives are spent at work, job stress can create stress in other areas of life as well. For example, when people are stressed at work, they may have less patience when not at work, and relationships may suffer; they may have less energy when not at work, and let exercise go by the wayside; they may feel so much stress at work that they experience burnout or depression. There is a close link between job stress and chronic stress, job stress can take a significant toll on overall physical & mental health and wellness, too.
Impact of Stress on work life:
- Morale
- Absenteeism
- Productivity
- Efficiency
- Staff Turnover
- Profitability
When job stress turns chronic, it can really threaten our physical and emotional health.
Consider the following job stress findings:
One study that assessed over 11,000 people found that employees reporting high psychological and physical job demands and low job control had elevated risks of emotional exhaustion (i.e. burnout), psychosomatic and physical health complaints of all kinds, and job dissatisfaction.
According to a study by the British Medical Journal, chronic stress has been linked to the development of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as other conditions. This is because they found a link between chronic job stress and metabolic syndrome, which is a group of factors that, together, increase the risk of these diseases, including high blood pressure, insulin resistance, central obesity (excessive abdominal fat, which has been linked to increased cortisol in the bloodstream, as well as several other health problems). They found that greater levels of job stress increased people’s chances of developing metabolic syndrome: the higher the stress level, the greater the chance of developing metabolic syndrome.
Workers who have higher levels of job stress experience a greater incidence of the common cold, and call in sick more often, which has effects on business productivity & efficiency.
There has also been a documented link between high job stress and lower levels of mental health.
Here are some interesting links on effects of stress and work life:
Reiki can be used anytime, anyplace for on-the-spot stress release, pain relief and to boost energy levels. The intense relaxation reached during a reiki treatment along with the heat often experienced, help to sooth and have a deeply restorative effect. From a scientific point of view, Reiki produces results on an electromagnetic level. Recent research suggests it appears Reiki acts to electromagnetically ‘jump-start’ the body’s own healing process by producing changes in vibrational frequency that, in turn, stimulate physical changes in the body. Basically, Reiki enables the body to experience a truly restful state, breathing becomes slower and deeper allowing oxygen to reach all the vital organs and cells. Circulation improves and any blockages and toxins are eliminated. Energy flows freely and effectively, re-balancing body and mind.
Today, many people in business must deal with all kinds of pressure, stress and emotions. Reiki helps to mentally prepare a person to manage the stress and anxiety of everyday working life or when preparing for a presentation or other event. Reiki has a calming and reassuring effect on the mind, lowering stress levels and enabling the recipient to re-gain focus and confidence.
Reiki can help working teams or individuals to be better prepared for their work, both mentally and physically. Reiki can assist the body’s natural healing abilities and generally give a sense of balance. Reiki is fast, simple and effective. No tools are needed, just body, mind and spirit.
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