Chew on these sobering statistics: 44% of Americans feel more stressed than they did five years ago. Three out of four doctor visits are for stress-related ailments. According to the American Institute of Stress, stress related ailments cost the U.S. $300 billion every year in medical bills and lost productivity–$100 billion more than what obesity costs our nation.
We all have some type of stress in our lives, even if we do not acknowledge it. Stress takes a toll on our minds and bodies. When we use up our mental resources and don’t replace them, burnout and poor performance occurs. Stress impacts the neurotransmitters in the brain and makes it hard to concentrate on anything else. Individuals become more irritable, depressed, and anxious. Their memory worsens and they make poor decisions. Chronic stress lowers immunity and can make one more prone to infections and injury. In its most severe form, stress makes it difficult for the body to maintain vital functions.
In contemporary society, leaving work or getting away can be challenging. Businesses are results-oriented and face time at work can often mean a promotion or simply job security. Consequently, many individuals feel obligated and guilty when they take a breather from the grind of the workday. This can lead to job burnout as well as a host of other problems.
You can break the vicious stress cycle with a prescribed retreat. Leaving work (for a few hours or a few weeks) is an important, and for some, the most essential way to recover from too much stress. A vacation can have a profound impact on one’s mental health. After a successful vacation, we come back recharged. Vacations lead to a healthier life perspective and more motivation to achieve goals. Resting and recuperating from work while actualizing new experiences that broaden horizons, personal and social development, as well as well-being is good for your health. It is necessary to detach from work so that recovery can take place; this is turn reduces fatigue and promotes positive future effects. By taking time off, we restore our bodies and minds to optimal performance.
We are only human. We cannot go on forever, and we need to stop and refuel. As counterintuitive as it may sound, we actually get more done faster when we take a stop before moving forward again.
R: Recognize signs of your body’s response to stress;
E: Explore short and long term methods for coping with stress;
T: Take control of your life;
R: Re-energize your mind and body;
E: Exercise regularly (it boosts mood and reduces stress);
A: Avoid dwelling on your shortcomings and celebrate your successes;
T: Take breaks during your day and use your vacation days.
It is important to be aware of our limits. By recognizing our boundaries, we remain in control of our mind and body. We allow them to restore themselves so that they can support us in being the optimal version of ourselves. By knowing when to take a break, we can “find our flow” and be at our happiest and healthiest.
To learn more, visit www.draldencass.com or call Dr. Cass directly at 646-202-9611.
DASHA® is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
