20/03/2024
UNDERSTANDING STRESS:
Living in our modern, fast-paced world where you feel you have to do it all, be it all and have it all, to fit in with societal norms, is not easy and can leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control, leading to a build-up of stress, impacting every aspect of your life.
Dis-stress is an inevitable part of life, but it can take a toll on your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being when left unchecked.
Whether it's triggered by work pressures, relationship issues, financial problems, or external circumstances, chronic stress can lead to a range of health problems including anxiety, depression, cardiovascular issues, insomnia, auto-immune diseases and even life-limiting illnesses.
It can leave you feeling:
😳Irritable, angry, impatient or wound up
😳Over-burdened or overwhelmed
😳Anxious, nervous or afraid
😳Like your thoughts are racing and you can't switch off
😳Unable to enjoy yourself
😳Depressed
😳Uninterested in life
😳Like you've lost your sense of humour
😳A sense of dread
😳Worried or tense
😳Neglected or lonely
😳Existing mental health problems getting worse
Top Tips to Manage Stress:
🌻Practice Mindfulness: Yesterday has gone (and all the days before, too, and tomorrow hasn't arrived yet, so instead of worrying about what's happened or what could happen), make good use of your time each day to engage in mindfulness exercises such as deeper breathing, meditation, or some activity that brings about a sense of relaxation - for some, this may be gaming, for others, having a cuppa with a friend, walking in the woods or something else. These practices can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels.
🌻Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to overwhelming tasks or commitments. Setting boundaries is essential for protecting your time and mental energy. Saying no to something or someone means you're saying YES to you and it's one of the greatest acts of self-care, plus, you are modelling to other people the behaviours that are important to you, based on your values. Your life matters.
🌻Stay Active: Regular exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also for managing stress. When you are stressed, you have a build-up of the stress hormone Cortisol which increases your blood sugar and blood pressure. Use all that glucose as fuel to move your body, for example, a short walk or stretching session (whether you've been on your feet all day or tied to your desk) can help alleviate tension and boost mood. You don't need a gym, you can be stretching and walking up and down the stairs, or squatting whilst the kettle is boiling!
🌻Connect with Others: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups for social connection and emotional support. Sharing your feelings with others can provide perspective, comfort and clarity.
🌻Prioritise Self-Care: Make self-care a priority by engaging in activities that bring you a sense of peace, joy and relaxation. Whether reading a book, catching up on your current TV binge, taking a bath, or enjoying a hobby, carving out time for yourself is crucial for managing stress effectively.
Remember: managing stress is not about eliminating it entirely, instead, it's about developing healthy coping strategies to navigate life's ups and downs, so that you can build your resilience to manoeuvre the day-to-day challenges and obstacles of living!
ENGAGEMENT RESPONSE
What strategies have been the most helpful in helping you to reduce your stress levels?
