Recently written by a magazine:
BALANCING STRESS WITH SUCCESS
Finding balance these days is no easy task! Dr. Kennedy,
founder and director of StressMedicine, believes that we are evolving into “techno-sapiens.” as demands mount with expanding technology create more and more stress in our lives, mostly related to more work. Balance is no longer an act, it’s an art. We have far too many choices and it’s exhausting us.
The psychologist Naz Madadi agrees that we are definitely experiencing more stress related to technology, with different age groups having different experiences.
For teens to thirty year olds, being disconnected from their
communication devices causes stress. “People 35 years and older seem to fall in two camps: a) those who want to be up to
date with everything and b) those who don’t care. Here,
there is considerable stress due to their unfamiliarity with this
technology”
“We used to work in an office, which was stress inducing as time spent commuting became extended. With the computer
age, we thought technology would make life easier but instead it gave us more to do. The advent of the laptop gave us flexibility, but also loaded our stress. With the birth of mobile technology, our work is always with us and turns up the volume of stress to increasingly toxic levels,” explains Dr. Kennedy. Studies show that roughly 80% to 90% of GP visits are for stress-related pathology.
“Most people I see are struggling with symptoms of cardiac disease – hypertension, insomnia, pain conditions, migraine, anxiety, depression and attention deficit disorders. Over exposure to work has put people out of balance and causes stress-related pathology. From research we’ve published it’s clear that over working and being out of balance is the cause of these burn-out symptoms,” notes Dr. Kennedy.
How can we lessen our stress load from too much technology and balance? “Technology is going to seduce us with increasingly user friendly developments,” says Dr. Kennedy. “As the old adage goes: If you can’t beat em, join em”. There are various technology-based platforms that reduce stress-related pathology, and actually improve performance by helping us learn how to be in balance using neuro- and biofeedback technology.
Dr Kennedy was part of a cutting edge research team in New York that developed a medical device that resolves stress-related problems. This hand held biofeedback device was recently published after the results of a clinical trial was completed at UCT proving its effectiveness in controlling stress and improving cognitive performance levels.
Sadly Reports of higher levels of stress are on the rise. Levels
increased over the past five years and are set to increase
exponentially. In research by Prof David W. Ball, at Cleveland State University, Ohio, 48% of respondents say their stress level at work has increased over the past year. The most common reasons for the increase are staff management uncertainty (54%), business uncertainty (46%), and negative workplace attitudes (34%). Most think that the risk of HIV or crime is the major cause of concern in SA today. What are the major factors that contribute to high stress levels? It always depends on the demographic. If you’re a corporate executive or in some kind of demanding work that has management responsibility, then the major cause of
stress is feeling out of control due to demanding deadlines and
over-commitments.
Our lives are getting more cluttered and out of balance every year.
Constant multi-tasking makes it difficult to remember to stay in
balance and positive. Here are seven simple tips to help you stay balanced happy and positive every day:
#1 Get Plenty of Sunlight
Find a way to spend some time outside every day.
#2 Eat a Balanced Diet
Eat fresh food every day.
#3 Diagphragmatic Breathing
Set aside a 7 minutes to practice deep breathing every day. Sounds weird but you`ll be able to focus and the extra oxygen will lift your spirits.
#4 Practice Communication Skills
Slow down before you respond and think about what they`re
really saying.
#5 Be Grateful
A hand-written note will stand out in the age of text messages.
#6 Embrace Spontaneity
Do something you`ve been putting off! DO IT NOW & STOP READING!
#7 Learn to Give
Find to give as this will bring a feeling of balance and control into your life.
If you have any queries please email Dr Justin Kennedy Justin@Kennedy.co.za
