Stress is known as the 'silent killer', this is because people do not take stress too seriously when it begins to build up. A little stress can be a good thing, as it can be used to motivate us to do things. However, if you do not give yourself a break once in a while, your own body will force itself to take a break.
If you're feeling stressed a lot of the time, this can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body by suppressing your immune system, upsetting your digestive and reproductive systems, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke, and speeding up the aging process. It can even rewire your brain, leaving you more prone to depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
Implement these simple stress management behaviours into your daily life so your stress doesn't get the better of you!
1. Exercise
Exercising changes our physical state, so this is an easy way to combat negative emotions and help us to focus on the activity we're doing. Physical activity also scientifically makes us feel good and can help reduce feelings of tension and stress.
2. Slow breathing
Catching our breath in a stressful situation can really calm us down and help us to feel grounded. This can take us away from the heightened stress we are feeling and connects us to our body. As a result, we can effectively come up with solutions to the situation or help us see, a once stressful situation as something more manageable.
3. Planning
Normally when we are busy and unorganised we tend to feel overwhelmed and stressed because we know we have a lot on our plate but we just don't know exactly what we should be doing and when. Have a routine or timetable of our schedule can take the guess work out of our lives and help us to know roughly when things are coming up and what we should prioritise. Being organised helps us to think clearer and stay on top of our work load- reducing stress and feelings of overwhelm.
4. Eat a healthy diet
You are what you eat and if your eating junk, well then chances are you won't be feeling so great. Eating healthy is not only good for our insides but it also is healthy for our brain. We feel good and are able to think clearer and combat stress more effectively as we have more focus and energy.
5. Get enough sleep
Sleep is very important for anyone, especially someone who feels stressed daily. Not getting enough sleep affects our overall health negatively. We feel groggy, irritable and are more likely to not be able to deal with life's stressors in an effective way. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep a night.
6. Relax
Relax often in any healthy way you enjoy best. Some examples that are great for calming us and managing stress are deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, yoga and meditation.
Finally, If you feel like you are unable to manage your stress alone or with support from loved ones, it advised that you seek professional help. You can book a complimentary phone consultation with Empower Youth Counselling here for more information.
With love,
Jacqui Zdravkovski