April is Stress Awareness Month so I thought I'd share a few tips this month about stress and the affects on the body and ways that we can help ourselves.
What is stress?
This is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It's ok and normal for the body to go through the stress cycle. It’s when the body is in a prolonged state of stress when it may affect the function / efficiency of the body.
Too much stress can affect things like:
our mood we may feel anxious or irritable
which in turn may then affect out relationships
our body eg stress headaches, holding tension in our body
our immune system.
What are the signs you may be stressed?
Feeling overwhelmed
Drinking or smoking more than usual
Avoiding people or situations
Feeling constantly worried, scared, anxious
Eating more or less
Lacking self confidence
There are many different signs, these are just a few, as stress can affect all of us in different ways.
Cause of stress
Realising when we are stressed is important but also what the cause of the stress is. If we can prevent the cause we will hopefully reduce or get rid of the stress in our lives. If you’re not sure keep a stress diary so you can note down the time, place and situation to see if there is a pattern and what the cause(s) may be. This may help you to avoid the situation in the future or help to better prepare for it.
Here are 12 tips to help start dealing with stress.
Allow time for self-care to do things which you enjoy.
Take time to relax such as through massage or reflexology.
Challenge unhelpful thoughts.
Seek help whether that is through friends/ family or professional help.
Plan ahead so that you may feel more in control of certain situations.
Write it down – take your thoughts from your head onto paper.
Spend time with favourite people.
Laugh more – watch your favourite comedy.
Meditation
Incorporate more fun into your life.
Reduce stimulants like – caffeine and alcohol.
Get more sleep - see my previous blog on this.
Hope you're having a good start to April so far and that you have enjoyed this blog. Find more info and loads of resources at https://www.stress.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-month/
Kay
Holistics by Kay - Women's Health and Wellbeing Reflexology Manchester for more info and appointments.
The information contained in this blog is strictly for informational and educational purposes. Therefore if you wish to apply any ideas contained within, you do so at your own risk, please do your own research and consult with your GP. This blog is not intended as a substitute for medical, legal or financial advice. Terms of Use
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