There’s no doubt about it – stress is very much on the increase in today’s world. Indeed, according to the American Psychological Association, most Americans are suffering from moderate to high stress, with 44% reporting that their stress levels have increased over the past five years. Statistics show that the top five causes of stress in the US are work pressures, money, health, relationships and poor nutrition. Stress, if left unchecked, can lead to serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
The importance of proper breathing
Most of us don’t give a second thought to the way we breathe – it’s just something that we do subconsciously. And yet proper breathing is essential to good health and wellbeing. Poor breathing can cause us to feel fatigued, reduces alertness and can increase feelings of anxiety. However, breathing correctly can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve our ability to exercise and can even help to boost our immunity.
By breathing properly we are giving our brain and other vital organs the right amount of oxygen and essential nutrients they need to function optimally. However, things such as stress, anxiety and poor posture can change the way in which we breathe.
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Is your workplace making you ill?
As I write this blog post I can feel my neck and back aching from sitting at a desk all day. I’ve also got a touch of eye strain and I think my knees are a bit locked up. What a mess I must sound! But my discomfort has inspired this blog post, which asks the question: is your workplace making you ill?
The combination of long hours, stressful working conditions and a poor diet can leave us susceptible to all manner of health problems. So perhaps it’s time to look at your work environment and habits to see if they need an overhaul.
photo credit: dave gunzenhauser
5 Tips for Reducing Holiday Shopping Stress
The holidays are supposed to be about family, and about appreciating all of life’s blessings. However, it seems that, more than happiness and enjoyment, the holidays equate to stress for a lot of people. Do you look at your loved ones during the holiday season and see nothing but crowded malls and bank drafts? Do you sometimes wish you could switch places with your kids and forget all about the holiday shopping madness? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Luckily, there are ways to counter the hectic pace and frenetic planning associated with checking all those items off your Christmas list. Here are five tips for reducing holiday shopping stress. [Read more…] about 5 Tips for Reducing Holiday Shopping Stress