The increase in stress-related complaints underscores the importance of relaxation and self-care.

I think it's common knowledge that stress is a growing problem these days. There's so much pressure and so much to do (fun and not-fun things) that we're all likely affected at some point. I recently read an article in GGZ Nieuws (GGZ News) that stress-related complaints at work have increased by a whopping 30% in the past five years. According to the article, the cause lies in a combination of factors such as societal expectations, increased workloads, and blurring of the boundaries between work and private life. It's understandable that everyone experiences periods of stress, but the fact that stress is also increasingly leading to absences from work makes the topic urgent. 

This development strengthens Spijkermaatje's commitment to making self-care and relaxation more accessible and easier. While there are several ways to mitigate the negative effects of this increasing pressure, we believe that self-care and relaxation can significantly contribute to preventing or reducing stress-related complaints.

An increase in stress-related complaints

Stress is one of the biggest causes of health problems today.  Chronic stress can have consequences for both physical and mental health, such as:

• Mental: Chronic stress can lead to burnout, depression and anxiety disorders.
• Physical: Stress increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, muscle pain, sleep problems and a weakened immune system.

For parents with young children, among others, a combination of factors plays a role, such as workload, caregiving responsibilities, and the constant balance between personal and professional life. The increase in working from home has further strained this balance. After all, is it easy to put on the laundry between tasks? Then you can take it out later in the (work) day. For this group, it's important to intervene promptly with preventative measures such as relaxation and self-care.

Why relaxation and self-care are crucial

Self-care is often seen as a luxury, but it's incredibly important for our health. Consciously taking moments of rest has a proven positive effect on reducing stress and improving well-being. Scientific research shows that relaxation not only restores our bodies but also gives the brain a chance to reset.

• Lower heart rate and cortisol reduction: Breathing exercises have a positive effect on the relaxation of the body, they slow down the heart rate and can lower cortisol.1. 
• Improved mental health : Meditation has a proven positive effect on stress reduction and relaxation and can reduce anxiety. 2. 
• Improved cognitive function: Meditation can have a positive effect on cognitive functions such as memory and learning processes. 3.

Self-care and relaxation are therefore not a luxury, but essential. Essential to prevent stress-related illness and improve your health, among other things.

The role of the nail mat in relaxation and self-care

A relaxation aid that's becoming increasingly popular is the spike mat. The spike mat contains small pressure points that stimulate the body and reduce stress. The pressure points on the spike mat activate nerve endings in the skin. This, in turn, leads to benefits such as improved blood circulation, a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, and an increase in endorphins (happiness hormones). As a result, you feel more relaxed after using a spike mat. An additional benefit may also be a reduction in back pain and/or stiffness. For a more detailed explanation, you can also read this blog post by Spijkermaatje.

Daily routine

A nail mat can help you relax more easily and effectively during your self-care moments. You can easily integrate it into your daily routine.

How can you easily integrate this into your routine?

1. Morning relaxation:
   Start your day with 5-10 minutes on the nail mat to relax your muscles and reduce stress before your day begins.
   
2. Charging in between:
   Use the nail mat for 5-10 minutes during a lunch break or a moment of rest to release tension in your back and shoulders.
   
3. Evening ritual:
   Lie on the mat for 10-15 minutes before bed. This promotes relaxation and deeper sleep.

Why Spijkermaatje?

Simply lying on a nail mat and relaxing can be quite a challenge. Sensations intensify, and your motivation can wane. It's also often difficult to let go of the daily grind (or your thoughts) for a moment. We help you with that by taking you along to a moment of peace. With a sound clip and relaxation exercise, all you have to do is lie down and listen. Easy and effective!

Conclusion: Self-care as an answer to stress-related complaints. Spijkermaatje can help!

The rise in stress-related complaints and absences emphasizes the importance of timely intervention. Self-care and relaxation aren't luxuries, but essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Using a spike mat and the relaxation exercises from Spijkermaatje offer an accessible and effective way to reduce stress. We want to help you find your moment of self-care. Treat yourself to those moments of peace!

1. (Perciavalle V, Blandini M, Fecarotta P, Buscemi A, Di Corrado D, Bertolo L, Fichera F, Coco M. The role of deep breathing on stress. Neurol Sci. 2017 Mar;38(3):451-458. doi: 10.1007/s10072-016-2790-8. Epub 2016 Dec 19. PMID: 27995346.)
2. https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735815300623?via%3Dihub and https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/016383439500025M?via%3Dihub
3. 3. Hölzel BK, Carmody J, Vangel M, Congleton C, Yerramsetti SM, Gard T, Lazar SW. Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry Res. 2011 Jan 30;191(1):36-43. doi: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2010.08.006. Epub 2010 Nov 10. PMID: 21071182; PMCID: PMC3004979.