Learning how to manage stress in positive ways is critical as stress can be the root cause of a myriad of health conditions.
Stress is common to all of us in some way, and it can be difficult to identify just how much stress we are really coping with on a regular basis. To help give you an idea, if you suffer from any of the following symptoms, then you’re likely suffering from acute stress.
- low energy
- difficulty sleeping / waking up during the night
- poor memory and concentration
- mood changes
- digestive discomfort / disturbances
The good news is you can alleviate these symptoms by recognising and changing the behaviours that contribute to stress. You can also incorporate some simple techniques to help reduce and manage stress once it has occurred. (See below.)
It works like this:
When we have a regular exercise routine we put our muscles and bones under positive stress. This helps them to become stronger and provide us with better support. The same applies to short term stresses or life challenges— if we have regular habits to manage stress then overtime we become stronger and more equipped to deal with experiences better making us feel less stressed!!
Stress can be both a cause and consequence of ill health, which is why it is so important to manage your stress now. Not only will you feel better now, but it will benefit your health in the future and your body, mind and soul will feel nurtured and nourished.
Top tips to manage stress
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugary foods – this will only add to your stress
- Enjoy a small amount of dark chocolate – because we all need some kind of emergency chocolate when we’re stressed
- Do things that make you happy – catch up with friends, daggy dance around the house, read a magazine in the sunshine, go to the movies – whatever floats your boat
- Enjoy exercise and physical activity – try grabbing a friend to ‘walk & talk’ to help you get motivated
- Try meditation or practice deep breathing – there are some great apps to help you get started such as the Smiling Mind
- Treat yourself to regular Acupuncture, Shiatsu Massage, Holistic Bowen Therapy or Myotherapy sessions – click to view details about these service
