Desktop Spa

What brings you stress?

http://www.stressless.com/stressinfo2.cfm?CFID=272895&CFTOKEN=34147210#IIB2

What does stress do to your body?

The Research

The main neuroendocrine chemicals are cortisol, serotonin, and dopamine.

Dopamine levels control your motor activity

Serotonin “allows a person to maintain context-appropriate behavior; that is, to do the appropriate thing at the appropriate time” (Fritz, 2004, 132)

Cortisol, “and other glucocorticoids are stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands during prolonged stress” (Fritz, 2004, 132)

It is perhaps not surprising that cortisol has been sampled before and after the massage therapy has been noted in conditions ranging from job stress to depression to HIV and breast cancer (Field-Hernandez-Diez 2004)

This study also stated that “Dopamine, like serotonin, is notably involved in the reduction of depression and its stress effects” (Field-Hernandez-Diego 2004).

Lack of control, high demands and repetitive work lead to job stress which can lead to health problems. - Duke University

Job related stress creates home problems which adds to job stress affecting personal productivity. – National Study Of Changing Workforce

One third of business professionals in the U.S., Britain, and Asia say they have suffered from stress-related health problems brought on by too much information.-1998 Reuters Survey

Over 30% of U.S. adults experience enough daily stress to impact their performance at home or work. – National Science Foundation

What works to relieve stress?

The Research

Dr. Herbert Benson at the Harvard Medical School has proven that the relaxation-response technique decreases heart and respiratory rate and lowers metabolism. Regular use can lessen effects of hypertension, relieve fatigue and improve coping skills.

An intensive three month "mindfulness training" program resulted in a 54% reduction in psychological stress and a 46% drop in medical symptoms. The 28 hours of instruction included four methods of meditation,general yoga postures, and other stress reduction techniques. West Virginia University

There is approximately a 50% reduction in visits to a HMO after a relaxation-response based intervention which resulted in estimated significant cost savings.-Behavioral Medicine

The benefits of stress management seem to exceed those of both exercise and usual heart care,in terms of both financial costs and reducing cardiac events. Average costs for patients who utilized stress management were $1,228 per patient during the first year, as compared to $2,352 per patient for those who exercised and $4,523 per patient for those who received usual care. Moreover,the financial benefit of stress management was maintained over time. Average costs rose only to $9,251 per patient during the fifth year for those who used stress management strategies, compared to $15,688 per patient for those who exercised and $14,997 per patient for those who received usual care. Average costs per patient per year during the five years were $5,998 for those who used stress management, $8,689 for those who exercised and $10,338 for those who received usual care-Duke University Medical Center,American Journal of Cardiology.

Laughing is found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, increase muscle flexion, and boost immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma- interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being. Laughter is infectious. Hospitals around the country are incorporating formal and informal laughter therapy programs into their therapeutic regimens. In countries such as India, laughing clubs -- in which participants gather in the early morning for the sole purpose of laughing -- are becoming as popular as Rotary Clubs in the United States. Humor is a universal language. It's a contagious emotion and a natural diversion. It brings other people in and breaks down barriers. Best of all it is free and has no known side reactions-Various Medical Journals

From Bellaruth Napterstek First of all, to the body, images created in the mind can be almost as real as actual, external events.

Secondly, in the altered state, we're capable of more rapid and intense healing, growth, learning and performance

When we have a sense of being in control, that, in and of itself, can help us to feel better and do better.

Creating your Desk Top Spa

Where to find this stuff

Rice Packs Rice from local grocery store, piece of fabric/towel sewn into a tube shape, or raid the sock drawer for a tube sock. Or you can spend more money on a ‘pretty one’ from any of the area department stores, mall kiosks.

Tennis Balls- local K mart, friend who plays tennis and your sock drawer Or you can spend more money on a ‘pretty one’ from any of the area department stores, mall kiosks or online stores

Aroma Therapy Local Health food stores, (County Nutrition in Waldorf, New MoonBodyworks and Botanicals in La Plata) www.Auracacia.com

Acupressure Points See handouts http://www.holisticonline.com/stress/stress_acupressure.htm

Yoga and Stretching http://www.desktopspa.com/demo/DesktopSpa_demo.asp or do a http://www.youtube.com search

Breathing techniques www.Healthjourneys.com or do a http://www.youtube.com search

Guided Imagery http://www.healthjourneys.com/audio_spa_treatment.asp

Mindfulness Meditation www.healthjourneys.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UxlGVPqRVM

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_relief_meditation_yoga_relaxation.htm

Fresh Fruit and Herbal Tea- Local grocery store- look for organic

Stress Assessment

http://www.stressbusting.co.uk/

http://www.stressless.com/stressquiz2.cfm?CFID=272895&CFTOKEN=34147210