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Don't let stress get the better of you this New Year. Follow these ideas for staying on top of your game
Stress means different things to different people, and it sometimes seems that the people around us know when we're suffering from it before we do! We need to have a certain level of stress in our lives as it inspires us to move ahead, to accomplish tasks and motivates us to act. The trick is learning how to make stress work for you rather than against you.
Stress can occur when too many demands and pressures are placed on us. These demands and pressures are called ?stressors?.
Our ability to manage stressors often determines the level of stress that we will experience. Stressors can be unrealistic deadlines, a cost of living that is too high, and change. Change creates stress by forcing us to make adjustments in our lives, often in a climate of uncertainty and unpredictability.
When we experience too much stress our bodies begin to show ?signs of stress?. The physical signs include: headaches, fatigue, insomnia, digestive changes, such as becoming more prone to diarrhoea or constipation, neck or backache, change in eating patterns, increased use of tobacco or alcohol, muscle twitches and a lowered libido. Some of the emotional symptoms may include, anxiety, anger, withdrawal, lack of concentration, irritability and resentment.
If stress continues over a long period without being addressed, we become more likely to develop health problems such as ulcers, fatigue, skin diseases and recurrent infection and a physical or psychological breakdown results.
There?s a whole list of things you can do to tackle stress, some of which are traditional remedies and many of which are pure common sense?
1. B group vitamins are a help in times of stress, when vitamin depletion occurs more rapidly
2.Herbal remedies, such as valerian and passion flower, can aid rest
3.Swap chocolate and other unhealthy snacks for yoghurt or fruit
4.Relaxation therapies, such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga, can help
5.Lavender is an anti-anxiety herb that can have a great calming effect
6.Don?t dwell on a thought that is making you anxious; make a conscious effort to think of an event or time that made you feel happy and anxiety-free
7.Try herbal tea at night to help you get off to sleep: chamomile, dill and fennel, rosehip, peppermint and vervain are all good as blends. If you don?t fancy tea, try some milk ? the calcium is a sleep inducer
8.Try and wean yourself off addictive food and drink. Reduce your intake of sugar, alcohol, cola and strong tea and coffee
9.Heat can be a good de-stressor. Try a hot bath to relax tense muscles, followed by rubbing yourself with a cream containing essential oils of lavender and rosemary
10.Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are especially healthy and are found in oily fish, linseeds and soya. Keep your levels of protein and carbohydrates up, too
11.Massage is the ultimate stress buster. Go on, you deserve it!
12.Antioxidants are vital for brain health. Staying on top of things, being sharp and focussed will keep those stress gremlins at bay However, if you are feeling under stress all or most of the time, chances are your body is feeling it too. Take time out to evaluate your situation and long-term ways to deal with it, and consult your healthcare professional for supportive therapy and advice
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