When someone is subjected to stress, the brain, nervous and hormonal systems are activated. This triggers a cascade of biochemical processes that cause the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. The adrenaline coursing through the bloodstream causes blood pressure to rise and muscles to tense, breathing becomes shallow and rapid and the brain becomes hyper alert so that we can assess the threat and decide whether to ‘fight’ or ‘flee’.

While clearly necessary and protective in the short term, stress can become damaging if it persists for days or weeks, not to mention months or years. As a temporary expedient, the stress response is vital, but if the situation is prolonged, with no release of tension, the result can be disastrous. As well as increasing the heart rate and blood pressure, the body also diverts vital resources from the immune system and cholesterol levels rise. Common symptoms of prolonged stress include fatigue, headache, heartburn, indigestion, hair loss, insomnia and depression. It is no wonder that in many people, particularly those of us already predisposed to health problems, chronic stress can cause a variety of mental and physical illnesses.

When the physical, mental and emotional bodies are out of balance we need assistance to restore comfort and harmony. A sense of peace, tranquility and wholeness can then ensue. Xhilarate Office Massage is the perfect way to restore this balance and is recognized as an effective way of helping to manage stress in the workplace.