Stress - What is it?

Stress is a universal term we use to describe a feeling, it affects us both physically and psychologically and often can make us feel very unwell. There isn’t a miracle tablet you can take to cure stress or a magic drink that will make you feel better. Sure, you may think that glass of wine or beer will help you relax and make you feel less stressed but apart from putting a plaster on it, it just adds to the problem.Like with many things in life, time is a healer and if you follow these ten steps, sure enough in time you will start to feel less stressed.

1. Practice relaxation

Relaxation is a great way to reduce stress and feel better, activities such as deep breathing, yoga and obviously meditation will activate the body’s relaxation response and instantly reduce stress.If your interested in attending our relaxation classes at Sports Physio UK then click here to send me an email and I can update you with classes and times.Develop you own ‘Relaxation toolbox’ this is a list of healthy things you can do when you feel stressed that will help you recharge your batteries and relax

• Spend time in Nature
• Enjoy a warm milky drink
• Go for a relaxing walk
• Spend time gardening
• Make that phone call to a good friend
• Get a relaxing massage
• Start a journal
• Read a good book
• Take a long bubble bath
• Play with a pet
• Listen to your favourite music
• Light scented candles

2. Get active

Getting Active doesn’t mean you have to join the gym and attend a gym class. It can mean a walk around the block, an afternoon spent cleaning the house or a shopping trip. As long as you are moving and encouraging your body to work then this is being active. There will be various groups you can join like walking groups or a local rounders team which has the added benefit of meeting new people which in turn will reduce your stress levels.

3. Do one thing at a time

Often, we are all so busy trying to multitask our lives and although you may feel this is productive, what you often end up with is a poor result with everything. Make a list of all the things you feel you need to get done. Do one thing at a time and really pay attention to the thing you are doing. Not only will you find that you enjoy it more but the quality of what you do will improve. It will also make you feel less stressed as you’re not actively thinking about all the things you need to get done.

4. Make time to do the things you enjoy doing

Usually our own needs get put to the side as we are all so often trying to please others. This can lead to feeling stressed

5. Look at the bigger picture

If you are feeling stressed because of a certain situation or cause, you must think to yourself, will this be affecting me in years to come. If not then is it worth worrying about and feeling stressed. Like the bible teaches ‘this too shall pass’.

6. Talk to others

Talking to others about how you feel can often make you feel a lot better. Sharing a concern with someone else can help since the person you are sharing with may be able to offer a different perspective and/or solution. After all a problem shared is a problem halved.

7. Sleep more

One of the first things that gets neglected is our sleep when the business of life takes over. Sleep is so important, it helps our body restore is self and repair. Stress thrives when you aren’t getting enough sleep. Try going to bed earlier where possible and sticking to a sleep routine, to find out more tips about sleep click here.

8. Eat better

When we feel stressed our first response is to reach for the junk food, the chocolate, the wine, and anything else we can get our hands on. Fatty food and alcohol may provide a temporary relief but are bad for our health and stress levels. The increase in sugar make us feel better but with every up there is a down, which in turn can make us feel grumpy, tired and concentrate less. When we feel this way, coping with the battles of everyday life can feel like an overwhelming challenge and so the cycle begins, pass me the chocolate.

9. De-clutter

Research has shown that de-cluttering your life, you house, your car and anything else that is cluttered helps with stress. This will leave you feeling mentally cleansed and help you feel more relaxed. Like with any task, concentrate on one thing at a time, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by how much needs de-cluttering. Make a list and take your time.

10. Address your finances

Often when we are overspending and putting all our expenses on plastic cards, life can feel overwhelming when the bills arrive and you have no money to pay them. Make a list of all your ingoing’s and outgoings and budget for the month.Click here to help get you started.Click here for some helpful apps that can help improve Mental Wellbeing and Stress