Part 1

So have you ever heard the word STRESS before?     

Of course you have – it has become one of our most common words in some form or another!  According to Wikipedia there are several categories and descriptions related to stress.  Today I am only referring to the stress we take upon ourselves which eventually will effect our health.  You can read more on this at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress

Stress (biological)  Physiological or psychological stress; some types include:

• Chronic Stress:  Persistent stress which can lead to illness and mental disorder.
• Eustress and Distress: Distress is the most commonly-referred to type of stress, having negative implications, whereas eustress is a positive form of stress, usually related to desirable events in a person’s life.  Both can be equally taxing on the body…
• Workplace Stress:  Stress caused by employment.

I think we all know by now how important it is to keep stress out of our lives or at least making attempts to minimize its existence in our lives – correct?  Unless one has been very isolated, has never watched tv, read a newspaper or listened to the news, then I think it is safe to say we hear the word “stress” constantly.  I don’t think we are even aware how many times a day we hear that word!

It is my belief that stress is the ONE thing in our lives that we have TOTAL control over but most of us don’t pay attention to what it is doing to our health and well being.  I am not saying that things are not difficult or that a lot of our lives are not drastically changing.  As a whole we are going through some very hard times right now with possibly more to come.  What I am saying is that in spite of what the world throws at us, we are constantly making choices to how we allow it to effect us and that is where stress comes into our lives.  We breed it, hoard it, consume it, nurture it and refuse to let it go. 

We were created to productively live the majority of our lives in the parasympathetic “rest and repose” system but some how we were taught that if we were not going mach ten then we would fall behind, be a loser, non contributing, worthless, lazy and on and on and on!  You know what I’m talking about don’t you?  

We have now labeled that relaxed ahhhhhhhhh feeling (remember what that felt like?) as pampered or indulged, however, that is the furthest from the truth!  We are actually more productive; make better decisions, sleep better, less likely to get sick, etc when we are living in our parasympathetic “rest and repose” system.

Please don’t get me wrong, I am not saying our sympathetic system ”fight or flight” is a bad thing.  On the contrary it is there to save our lives when needed and gives our bodies the ability to do things we could not do under normal circumstances.  Unfortunately our bodies are effected when we choose to live most of our lives in the “fight or flight” due to the accelerated heart rate and the amount of adrenaline being pumped into our bodies. 

The most common thing I see as a reflexologist is the surprise on a clients’ face as their body relaxes to a place they have not been in a very long time.  Most of us are not even aware how tense we really are until we experience that incredible relaxation.  When was the last time you felt so relaxed that your eye lids were almost too heavy to keep open, your speech was slightly slurred, you wanted to say something but the effort it took just wasn’t worth it or when you walked you felt like you were floating?  It’s probably been awhile hasn’t it?  

Well don’t worry; Check in tomorrow and read Part II of todays article where you will learn ten great ways to relieve stress! 

Until then, start to pay attention to things that may be triggering your stress or tension and remember, YOU are the one who can stop this!

Please let me know how stress has been effecting your life and what you have found to help eliminate it.   

Since October is breast cancer awareness month, I thought it would be good to share some of my story with you…….

It was the summer of 1991; I was 36 years old, married and a mother of three beautiful children.  My life had been fairly standard; led an active life doing “mom” things and was always healthy.  I was the last one anyone thought would hear the words, “you have breast cancer” which also began the hardest year of my life (or so I thought at that time).  Since then my life has never been the same.

I went through the standard surgery, chemo and then reconstructive surgery.  After the first year of eating, living and breathing cancer, my life seemed to head back towards “normal.”  Fast forward ten years to the summer of 2001 when again, my world turned upside down with the words of “you have a recurrence of breast cancer.”  Ok, been there, done that but here I was again.  Since this was a recurrence, my year of intense treatment included surgery, chemo, radiation and chemo again.  Then about the time I again thought life should be getting back to “normal,” at my three month check up, I for the third time heard “you have breast cancer again.”  This time even my oncologist was surprised anything could still be alive in me.  During this four year period, I had breast cancer twice, a major automobile accident which is when a brain tumor was found and then brain surgery.  Then on the upside almost two years to the day of my brain surgery at the age of 52, I competed in my first figure body building competition in honor of those women no longer here.  I wanted to let others know that no matter what your age or things you have been through to “never give up.”

We all have a specific journey in this life and I’m trying to learn all that I can from mine.  Cancer is not something I would wish on anyone, but the lessons I have learned because of it are priceless!  I really enjoy the small things in life and try to live every day like it was my last. 

As a result of my health issues and experiences, I am especially passionate about health care and women’s issues.  I strive to educate my clients on the importance of health;  stressing relaxation, sleeping better, eating healthy, exercising and learning how to be in tuned to one’s body and what it is telling you.  In spite of what we do to our bodies, all it wants to do is take care of us.  When we incorporate a healthier lifestyle and eliminate stress from our lives our bodies can do a lot of healing and repair to itself. 

I have found my passion in reflexology and enjoy introducing others to its wonders, especially those who have been diagnosed with cancer.  Reflexology is known to bring great relief to those going through chemo by helping move the toxins through the body faster, it helps the patient relax even while receiving chemo and can assist with decreasing pain and nausea..  I have also been honored to perform reflexology on hospice patients and assist them with relaxing their body during its final journey.

I believe we are all here for specific reasons and that no one else can do what we were sent here to do.  Since we are still breathing, our journeys are not yet finished.  I wish you all the best on your journey in your passion and love for life and that you enjoy it to the fullest!

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story and if you know anyone who could use a safe, confidential cancer friend, please do not hesitate to have them contact me at 949-370-0087. 

I have spoken at various organizations, sharing my life’s adventures and inspiring other to “Never give up.”  If you would like to contact me for a speaking engagement or would like to know more about reflexology, please contact me at 949-370-0087 or via e-mail at Pattie@MyBalancedSole.Com, www.BalancedSoleReflexology.com

While you may be tempted to trim your wellness budget when economic times are tough, now more than ever, reflexology should play a role in reducing stress and strengthening the health of Americans.

When you feel your best, you are more likely to be able to face the challenges difficult times present. With greater health and peace of mind, you can face difficulties with poise, clarity of purpose and strengthened emotional reserves.

Reflexology is more than a luxury—it is a vital part of self-care that has a positive ripple effect on us as we work, play, relax, live life and care for others.

Invest In Yourself, Invest in Those You Love – In economically challenging times, it is vital to invest in preventative health care. The last thing you want is to get sick, have to take time off of work and pay expensive medical bills.  Staying healthy means maintaining your ability to take whatever life has to throw at you.  Besides lowering stress levels and, in turn, reducing the risk of stress-related illnesses, reflexology also boosts immunity, helping you fight colds, flu and other viral infections.

And if you think about it, reflexology is an excellent value.  The price of reflexology has remained stable in recent years, as the cost of movies, dining out and sports events has risen.  Even though these things are enjoyable, which of these has the power to improve your health and your outlook on life?

The positive effects of regular reflexology can have far-reaching effects in many areas of your life.

At Home – Reflexology therapy will help families under stress create healthier households with clear-thinking and more relaxed moms and dads in the house. Children are very sensitive and often pick up on tension in a household, parents who are taking care of themselves are more likely to be better caregivers and provide a sense of security to their kids. This goes for caregivers of aging parents and other family members also.

At Work -The health benefits of reflexology can help forestall illnesses and lost work time, especially when you may be asked to produce more with fewer resources.  Decision-making skills will be better and your performance is likely to be improved with a clear focus and more energy.  A hint for the boss: Research shows employees exhibit less stress and improved performance when given consistent reflexology sessions in the office.

For Health Conditions -Those with already existing health conditions can continue to reap benefits as their health improves.  And proactively caring for health through reflexology may help reduce costly doctor visits and use of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Research shows reflexology can reduce sports-related soreness and improve circulation–good to know when you may be exercising more to reduce stress.

Reflexology is effective in treating back pain, sciatic issues, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, premenstrual syndrome, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients receiving reflexology also have less pain, depression, anxiety, stiffness, fatigue and sleep problems.

Reflexology helps reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.Oncology patients show less pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression following a reflexology session.

Reflexology is effective reducing postsurgical pain.

Labor pain. Reflexology during labor appears to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles and help block pain. Some medical professionals believe reflexology shortens labor, reduces the need for medication and shortens hospital stays.

There is now a body of research to support the benefits listed above. But there’s no greater testimonial than the person who is a regular receiver of reflexology. The first-hand experience of bodywork clients largely echo the same sentiment: bodywork enhances quality of life, and the return on your investment is great.

While reflexology feels like a luxurious mini-vacation, and you should by all means enjoy it, there is an actual physical need for bodywork. Maintaining a regular reflexology schedule will help you operate at your peak level–whether it is at work, at home, or at play. Invest in yourself and book a reflexology session today.