Stress

What is it? It's a word that many of us use to try and describe how we are feeling when the demands of life are becoming too great for us to cope with. A little bit of stress can be useful as it can sometimes help us to push through tasks or activities and in turn gets things done. However too much stress or stressful experiences can have an adverse effect on us and make us feel unwell. As we are all different what one person may find stressful another may not and the ability to cope with stress varies from person to person.

Stress can affect us in many ways and below are some examples of the signs of stress

When we are stressed we tend to resort to certain behaviours such as drinking or smoking too much, not eating enough or too much. We can become unreasonable, bad tempered, forgetful, even clumsy and we have a tendency to rush around feeling that we have achieved very little.

Many life events can be stressful and if you have experienced some of the following   over the last year or two, or you are currently going through them, then it is possible you may be stressed and it is advisable to take good care of yourself.

Problems at work i.e. critical bosses, workplace bullying, lack of job security, lack of work satisfaction Partner loses job, retires or begins work.

What can you do about stress? Firstly being aware that it is a problem for you, in other words owning up to the fact that stress is affecting your life. Then trying to take control of the causes and the effects of stress.

Firstly try to write down the problems in your life that may be causing the stress and how to deal with hem.

For example, are you always late for events or work?  Could you set off ten minutes earlier?

Are you having relationship difficulties?  Could you set a time to have an open discussion with your partner?  Communication is very important.

Are you doing too much in a day? Be realistic and don't take too much on.

Do you feel you are being put on by other? You can say no and don't feel guilty.

Problems at work? What are your options? Is there a HR department where you can take your concerns to? Are you the boss, under pressure, could you delegate get more support etc.

Lack of job satisfaction, could you retrain?

• Plan your time some people find it helpful to make lists. Do one thing at a time and try to finish it.
• When eating try to find the time and sit down eat slowly and take a break avoid eating on the move.
• Do something pleasurable - maybe do something different? Take a holiday if possible or a visit a friend.
• Exercises regularly - try for 20 minutes two or three times a week. A good brisk walk is fine.  Exercise reduces the adrenalin in the body and is excellent for stress control.
• Relaxation - take time each day. It's important to relax. Look for different ways to relax perhaps reflexology, rieki, yoga or relaxation classes at your local gym.
• Talking is also excellent for releasing stress. Have you got a good friend who will listen to you, getting things off your chest can be very helpful?
• Counselling can be extremely beneficial in helping with stress and anxiety particularly so when a person has gone through or going through some major life events as some of those listed above.
• Your GP is always there for you and if life is really getting you down do seek professional help.

- James Harris, 2009