What is stress?

The causes of stress can be work related, problems at home, worrying about exams, relationships, or financial difficulties to name but a few.

We all at some stage will suffer stress, and it can get in the way of sorting out day to day demands, indeed everything you do, feel, think and behave, even the way your body works.

Common signs of being stressed include sleeping problems, loss or increase in appetite, and difficulty concentrating. You may also suffer from low self esteem, have a short temper, and act unreasonably. You could also experience headaches, muscle tension, or pain.

Although stress itself is not an illness, it can manifest itself physically if not addressed. It’s important to recognise the symptoms of stress early so you can figure out ways of dealing with stress rather than adopting unhealthy coping methods such as drinking and smoking. Being aware of the signs of stress will prevent it getting worse and potentially creating serious complications such as high blood pressure.

Here are some useful tips for surviving stress.

1. Take regular exercise such as walking or yoga. Physical activity works off extra adrenalin for your system.

2. Know when to stop and rest: when you are tired go to bed earlier and always make sure you get enough sleep which YOU need to function well.

3. Avoid substances such as tobacco, alcohol,caffeine, sugar and tranquillisers. Take multi vitamins and check you are not anaemic as anaemia can cause depression.

4. Be creative, take up gardening, cooking or knitting for example.

5. Learn to “let go” by using stress reduction techniques such as deep relaxation, meditation, yoga and listen to music.

6. Be responsible for yourself and don’t be a victim. Often we have more choices than we realise.

7. Keep a stress journal. Writing down our troubles can help us see that things are not as bad as we think.

8. When you feel ill acknowledge it and don’t try to carry on. Give yourself permission and space to recover.

9. Find what nurtures you, do activities you enjoy.

10. Take one thing at a time, practice time management, plan ahead. Organise a system which works FOR you, not against you.

For more information regarding stress management you can contact Sue McBride

[email protected]