THE RELAXATION RESPONSE
CAN HELP CONTROL THE STRESS
OF A CLAIM ADJUSTER

The relaxation response can and will change your life as a claim adjuster if you will just commit 10 – 20 minutes for yourself each day. You will find that you can quiet your mind, stopping the mind chatter and open up your perceptions and free yourself to make the most positive choices regarding your life. You may even find yourself doing it twice a day once you feel the difference it will make.

The relaxation response is a mind/body technique based on the principles of Transcendental Meditation. Cardiologist Herbert Benson, M.D., coined the term after encountering practitioners of Transcendental Meditation in the 1970s, who claimed they could lower their blood pressure with daily meditation. While at Harvard Medical School, Herbert Benson, M.D. tested this response extensively and has written a book entitled The Relaxation Response.

This response against “overstress” is a simple technique practiced for as few as 10 minutes per day and can help you control stress which brings on changes that decrease heart rate, lower metabolism, decrease the rate of breathing, improve concentration, decrease anxiety, and bring the body back into what is probably a healthier balance and calm state.

As you begin to learn the technique, you need to be aware that your mind will tend to wander and intrusive thoughts will enter your mind. It’s normal, just let those thoughts pass through your mind letting go of everyday worries and tensions.

Here are the steps taken from the book titled The Relaxation Response written by Herbert Benson, M.D.

• Pick a focus word, short phrase or prayer that is firmly rooted in your belief system.

• Sit quietly in a comfortable position.

• Close your eyes.

• Relax your muscles, progressing from your feet to your calves, thighs, abdomen, shoulders, head and neck.

• Breathe slowly and naturally, and as you do, say your focus word, sound, phrase, or prayer silently to yourself as you exhale.

• Assume a passive attitude. Don’t worry about how well you’re doing. When other thoughts come to mind, simply let them pass through and gently return to your repetition.

• Continue for 10 – 20 minutes.

• Do not stand immediately. Continue sitting quietly for a minute or so, allowing other thoughts to return. Then open your eyes and sit for another minute before rising.

• Practice the technique once or twice daily. Good times to do so are before breakfast and before dinner.

When you are exercising, you can also do the relaxation response. Just keep your eyes open and focus on the tempo when other thoughts come into your mind.

Home Page: Claim Adjuster Workplace Stress is a Reality
Re-Evaluation of Excess Stress