Cases of anxiety, stress and depression have doubled in the past seven years.
Some stress is good for us. It evolved as a ‘fight or flight’ response, essential for our survival in prehistoric times. But today, if the same response gets out of control it can eventually kill us. Its physical and emotional effects increase blood pressure, damaging major organs, and can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and dementia.
Stress isn’t an organic disease but it can trigger them. If you are weighed down by seemingly overwhelming worries and troubles, long bouts may lead to breakdowns and diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and peptic ulcers. Short-term effects on our bodies include muscle tension, raised blood-sugar levels and increased production of adrenaline and cortisol.
One of the best ways to counter the effects of stress is to activate your ‘relaxation response’ with meditation. More doctors now accept it’s an effective self-help technique because studies prove that it works.
In the UK, the British Medical Association cites meditation as a tool to fight the effects of stress and anxiety. This is echoed by major healthcare agencies as well as information sources such as NHS Direct, the Consumer Association and the BBC.
Interested in one of our courses? Email us for information, or sign up to our MeditationCoach newsletter for the latest advice, support, research and meditation news.
“Research has told us that it works beautifully as an antidote to stress”
