End of the Day

Whether you’ve spent your day hunched over a computer, standing at an assembly line, or washing your car – no doubt some “end of the day” stresses have crept in. Often times, the stress of any given day can add up to uncertain emotions and anxiety. Although it is not clear what effect your emotional state has on your health, it is clear that when some people are anxious, angry, or tense they experience physiological effects such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, muscle tension, and intestinal upset.

These physical responses to emotional situations seem to be the result of the “fight or flight” response- your body’s reaction to a perceived threat. The “fight or flight” response seems to be a holdover from the time when humans had to deal with physical threats to their well-being either by staying and fighting or running away. In order to give humans the extra energy and alertness needed, the body responded to emergency situations by releasing two hormones – epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) which caused the heart to beat faster, increased respiration rate and blood pressure, and activated blood-clotting mechanisms to prepare for physical injury.

In today’s modern world, this response is rarely needed, but is activated frequently by emotional upsets – arguments with friends and family, excessive demands on your time, irritation with traffic, long lines, and rude people.

Here are a few suggestions for leaving the stress behind when you leave the office:

• Practice relaxation techniques:

  Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help you relax and unwind after a stressful day at work.

• Set boundaries:

  It can be helpful to set clear boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This might include setting specific times when you will not check work emails or take work calls.

• Exercise regularly:

  Physical activity can help reduce stress and improve your overall sense of well-being.

• Connect with others:

  Spending time with loved ones and engaging in social activities can help you relax and recharge.

• Get enough sleep:

  Making sure you get enough rest can help you feel more energized and better able to handle stress.

• Seek support:

  If you’re feeling overwhelmed by work stress, it can be helpful to talk to a mental health professional or join a support group.

LiveKinetic focuses on defining the various stresses that we encounter and the relaxation process necessary for to regain your life.

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