6 Tips to Minimise Stress

Are you feeling sluggish and can’t get motivated?
Perhaps you have nagging self doubts and can’t seem to shake them off?
Maybe you are snapping at your friends and family for no apparent reason?

Likelihood is, that you could be suffering from Stress.

Studies show that 90% of all GP appointments are related ( either directly or indirectly ) to stress.

Stress, however, does seem get a bad name. Let’s face it, not all stress is bad.

What is stress?

Stress is our body’s way of responding to challenges; be they exams, a presentation at work or perhaps illness. Normal levels of stress are to be accepted; when we are coping with life – stress can be a great motivator, as it helps us to maintain focus. The worry started when the levels of stress remain abnormally high and for a prolonged period of time; that’s when we need to stop and take notice.

When we are stressed our body releases adrenalin and the stress hormone cortisol; which in turn raises the heart rate to send blood pumping around the body. This places extra pressure on all of the organs of our body – which are getting prepared for the “fight or flight” reflex.

To help understand how our mind deals with stress, click : here :

What are the Symptoms of Stress?

Continued levels of stress can have a detrimental impact on your health and well-being; examples are :

1. Emotional Stress

Depression
Anxieties and Panic attacks

2. Physical Stress

Nausea – and extreme cases stomach ulcers
Increased blood pressure
Insomnia

3. Mental Stress

mood swings
lack of confidence
low concentration

What causes stress?

Typically, what one person finds overwhelmingly stressful, another person might take in their stride; so be on the look out for what is causing your stress and what specifically the triggers are. Notice how you react. For example :

* Some people thrive when they are under pressure at work – whereas others buckle under the load.

* Some enjoy the thrill of public speaking – whilst others would rather run and hide than be centre stage.

* Margaret Thatcher was renown for requiring only 4 hours sleep a night – whereas for many, the effects of less than 7 hours sleep a night can be very noticeable.

How do we cope with stress?

The real secret is how we manage the stress – once we identify these triggers. If you, or a loved one are suffering from stress, or showing signs of not coping, then try and work out what has changed. What are the stressors? Once these have been identified, appropriate action can be taken to resolve the situation.

Many of the problems can be sorted quite quickly, if you do not ignore the symptoms. A degree of self care is very important. ( Remember that we are told to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first. )

My 6 S’s to Minimise Stress :

1. SOOTHE : Maintain calm. Remove unnecessary chaos from your life.

2. SLEEP : Get plenty of rest ( sleep allows the body to heal and repair. )

3. SUPPORT : Chat to someone you trust

4. STRETCH : Exercise ( daily – where possible )

5. SUSTENANCE : Make sure you are drinking and eating well.

6. STABILISE : Make sure you have balance in your life. More often than not – we feel stressed when things are out of kilter.

Further Suggestions :

For a tip in how to beat stress in under 2 minutes, click : here :

What to do if your child is suffering from exam stress, click : here :

Sometimes stress can be triggered by a cycle of negative thinking. For a strategy that helps stop these destructive thought patterns in their tracks, click : here :

In the meantime, remember that Stress is avoidable and in no time at all you will be on the road to a brighter future.

If however you are still struggling, please do seek support; as you do not have to suffer in silence.

Much Love 💕