Monday, 26 May 2008
Stress
Something that I think most people have felt, especially those living in Tokyo is stress. The insane and often illogical work hours really takes it's toll, as does the frustration of constantly being unable to achieve the simplest of things the way you would back home despite the claim that Japan is a world leader in technology and service (1 hour for a simple bank transaction?).
Add to this the reality for a lot of people that unless they speak a high level of Japanese (something I hope to achieve soon) their career prospects are pretty much limited to "teaching" English.
Just over two years ago I suffered a rather major anxiety attack in the middle of the night (thanks NOVA!) which lead to my decision to change jobs (though still trapped within the same career unfortunately. No offence to those reading this who want to be English teachers in Japan) and pursue a more natural relaxed living style.
Changing jobs was a big help but so were some other things I tried such as picking up Yoga (also for physical fitness as well) and making Sunday a computer free day (amazing how much that can change your mental state). Some friends of mine quit coffee or avoid public transport. One Stresseraser that I came across was this weird little Stress Eraser machine that actually monitors your breathing and instructs you on how to breath in order to help you relax.
The Stresseraser seems a little strange. I mean wouldn't you realise that you're feeling stressed anyway? For me it would kind of be like a hunger detector. Normally you can work it out for yourself.
It is rather interesting though as while most people know their at rest heart rate, I'm betting noone knows their at rest breathing rate.
A curious oddity.
posted by Brad at
9:39 PM
2 Comments:
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Welcome. My name's Brad and I'm about to start my fifth year in Tokyo, Japan though lately I've found that that defines me as badly as saying I'm from Sydney, Australia.
Mmm.. I can just imagine how helpful that would be (not) in a good meditation session. I can imagine it's only useful for someone who is completely out of tune with their own body. Seems like a complete waste of money to me. You'd be concentrating on the monitor rather than on the relaxation itself.
I think a computer-free day is a great idea and now that I'm not studying anymore, I can make it happen. Thanks for the idea.