A GOOD CURE FOR "NERVES"

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 35, 10 September 1952, Page 5

A GOOD CURE FOR "NERVES"

REST AND RELAX When you say about someone, "So-and-so is very restless," you don/t usually mean it as a compliimeut. You imply that there is something wrong — they are wasting energy. Now restlessness may be caused by: (1) Over-anxiety or (2) Over-work and lack of sleep. If you are obviousiy a restless person your frierids will tell you to rrelax, which is good advice if you know how. Perhaps the following suggestions wil! help you. >(a) Economise in effort. There is a hard way and an easy way to do evex-y job. Restless people often do it the hard way. So try to learn how to do your job efueiently with the least possible effort. In some factories carefullyrtaught j exercises help the worker to do this. If such exercises are being taught in your factory, it will pay you to learn how to do them. (b) Relax your body: ,(1) by making full use of breaks during working hours— that is, by resting. Sit down if possible and get your weight off your feet. Then deliberately let your muscles go limp after having first of all given yourself a good stretc'h. Of course, if you sit at your work you will find it a "rest" to move about during the break. (2) by avoiding strain while you work. If you sit at a bench, sifc well back on the stool or chair — don't sit on the edge. if you stand at work, shift your weight occasionally from one f oot to the other. Every now and then have a good stretch. Keep your stomach in and the line of your back as straight as possible. (c) Relax mind: (1) by doing your job as thoroughly as you can. (2) by doing what you enjoy.most in your spare time. (3) by sharing your worries with a friend — don't bottle up your troubles. (See the leaflet "Just Nerves.") If you have lost sleep try to make up for it when you can. In trains, buses or trams you can close your •eyes and may be you can doze off for a few minutes. In any case, you should let your muscles go loose and relaxed — so do try. And, see if you can manage a short nap before or after your evening meal. You'll be surprised to find how refreshed you will be by even short spells of rest.

Don t think, of course, that if you relax in this way you can then do without a good night's rest. You cant'. Some people need less sleep than others, it is true — but many need far more sleep than they allow themselves. If you don't as a rule waken in the morning of your own aceord you should go to bed earlier. There are times when we must go all out regardless of everything, but in the long run it is the steady susi^ained effort that counts. tSo learn to i elax and save your energy. ' [From the British Health Council, London, via the New Zealand ' Health 'Department.j