Stress

Stress affects people in different ways and everyone has different stress thresholds. What one person finds exhilarating another finds stressful and possibly anxiety provoking. Short term stress can be beneficial and trigger a needed change in direction or behaviour. However, over the long term stress can lead to a myriad of problems including, headaches, insomnia, overeating, back pain, high blood pressure, irritability, vulnerability to infection, depression and anxiety disorder, fatigue, headaches, loss of concentration, difficulty making decisions, inability to control anger, increased use of alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes or drugs increased or decreased eating, and feeling overwhelmed.

Don't wait until stress takes over. There are some simple measures you can take early to alleviate the signs and symptoms of stress.

These include:

• Getting outside and into nature: Studies have shown that simply spending time outside - particularly in green spaces reduces stress.

• Connect with others: The old adage 'a problem shared is a problem halved' actually has some basis. Studies have shown that when a problem is shared it can lose it's importance and a sense of relief is felt by the sharer.

• Watch a comedy or read a humorous book.

• Create a sensory box: fill it with things that make you feel good such as comforting fabrics, stress balls, favourite music or sounds, adult colouring books and pencils - anything that makes your feel good and takes your mind off your worries for a short time.

Once you're in a better head space write down your problem: Then list as many solutions as possible without judgement and consider reasonably good solutions. Research suggests that searching for a perfect option breeds disappointment. Once you pick some solutions, break them into reasonable chunks and make a concrete plan.

There are many ways stress can creep up on us when we least expect it. Equally, there are many therapeutic techniques available to reduce stress and increase optimism and wellbeing.

If you are finding that stress is taking hold and you're struggling to find your way out feel free to contact me and let's chat about how you can reduce stress and live an optimal life.

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