Stress

Believe it or not, some stress is necessary and is in fact good for us. Stress known as eustress motivates us to get that paper finished and handed in, it means that we hit the brakes when another car suddenly drives in front of us and to makes it possible for us to grab the child that is about to fall as it runs past us. Stress only becomes a problem when it is prolonged and we never get away from it. Eustress can easily turn to distress and this is when our health is effected.

Stress is common in today’s world. Everything is faster and more immediate. Greater demands on us to work, study, to be with family and maintain lifestyle can become overwhelming. Stress is common in New Zealand with research showing 73% of under 50’s in New Zealand experience stress at least once per week. Stress is demanding on the body with the activation of the ‘fight or flight’ response. This response includes increases heart rate, muscle tension, headaches and disturbed sleep. Studies have shown that massage decreases levels of cortisol and the activates the ‘rest and digest’ response within the nervous system. Tension release and relaxation help combat the physical and emotional symptoms of stress.