This reactive stance is a formula for burn-out, and a major obstacle to energetic and balanced living. Stress-related illness is on the rise. Depression has doubled every year since the 1920's. Unmanaged, chronic stress increases the risk of heart disease more than tobacco or high cholesterol. Some studies have shown that people experiencing depression, anger and anxiety due to chronic stress are two times more likely to contract a major disease or serious illness.
Stress is also a key element of the loss of business productivity.
Chronic stress reduces the capacity of the human system, creating overactive responses from our adrenal and nervous system leading to chronic fatigue, burnout and serious illness. But more important than these sobering statistics, stress zaps our energy and robs us of our potential to enjoy life. Energy for life comes largely from taking superb care of yourself. You need to rejuvenate with good sources of fuel to compensate for the energy used in daily life. Yet thoughts of self-care often evoke negative images of selfishness.