By KATHERINE HOBY
Dr John McEwan says balance is the key to keeping a handle on stress levels. His physical stress busters include doing the haka.
He suggests that every time you have a few private minutes in the bathroom or bedroom you perform a move adapted from yoga's Standing Lion pose.
"Bend
the knees to get the pressure off the pelvic floor. Pull the shoulders downwards, tensing the muscles in the back.
"Stretch the fingers out and drag the jaw down to a silent scream and stick your tongue out.
"Breathe out vigorously for eight seconds. Do three shoulder rolls, forward and back.
"It takes about 15 seconds to do the lot, but it will take all the tension out of the body."
He also prescribes the following:
* Ventilate: At the end of each day do a daily dump of frustrations on to paper before leaving the office. If there has been a group problem, conduct a debrief and leave the stress in the office. Focus on a personal plan.
* Recreate: Ensure your weekly plan has activities with those who matter to you. Have a personal physiological relaxation plan which is used often, such as the haka. Make sure that a creative activity remains part of your weekly schedule. One day in seven off, at least. Programme a long weekend after 12 weeks.
* Medicate: Use any anti-depressants or medication prescribed without guilt. They have a place. Eat well - use nutritional supplements if necessary, and keep fluid intake high.
* Stimulate: Use endorphins to advantage. Exercise, love, laughter, tears, creative or social activities and celebration are all things that recharge inner batteries. Use daily and weekly.
* Review your lifestyle goals and plans every three months to ensure you are recharging inner batteries.
Defeating stress long-term means putting time and energy into developing a sense of purpose, meaningful relationships and good personal health.
Herald feature: Health
