November 4th is International Stress Awareness Day, but how aware are you of your own stress levels?
The symptoms of stress vary from person to person but among the most common are:
• Trouble Concentrating
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Anger
• Stomach Problems
• Fatigue
• Decreased Sex Drive
• Skin Irritations
• Muscle Tension
• Teeth Grinding
• Apathy/Motivation Loss
• Irritability
• Sleep Disturbance
• Affected Appetite
• Frequent Minor Illnesses
• Misuse of caffeine, alcohol, drugs or tobacco.
If you find yourself recognising a number of these, it might be experiencing a highly stressed state.
So what now? Well, there a number of simple (but proven) ways of reducing stress levels.
• Get Creative – draw, paint, craft, write… whatever floats your boat and makes you feel good.
• Stick on some tunes – whether you play an instrument or choose an upbeat or chilled out playlist – music feeds the soul.
• Activate – go for a walk, to the gym, for a swim, or hit the mats for some yoga or pilates… exercise releases endorphins, which lower stress levels and lowers cortisol levels, which contribute to stress and anxiety.
• Quiet Time – meditate or read to slow the world down and bring you into the moment.
• Detox your life – technology, food, drinks… our body and mind feel the effects of too much of a not so good thing.
• Get organised – start using a planner, clear out your living space, prep the night before. A clear picture of what lies ahead can make the world a whole lot less overwhelming.
• Family and friends – time spent relaxing with family, friends, and pets brings back some balance and helps us reconnect in times of high pressure.
• Great Outdoors – Fresh air clears away the cobwebs and can bring a great perspective.
• Just Talk – an open conversation can bring new insights and help us to share the load. Whether it is a friend, family member or mental health professional, exploring the source of your stress and your options can be a huge relief.
While Covid restrictions may limit the availability of some of these resources, most can be access online: exercise classes and mindfulness practices, videocalling friends and family, sessions with your therapist.
“I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.”
Bilbo Baggins, Fellowship of The Ring
If these words hit home for you, there is support available to help you access more butter, or maybe use less bread…
Contact Sage Counsel: 086-8539718 sagecounsel@outlook.com