Stress is the result of demands on your brain and body, which is caused by mechanical, emotional and/or chemical stress.

Our busy schedules and demanding jobs make it difficult to avoid stress and anxiety. Additionally, modern day issues such as social media, poor quality food and other socio-economic problems have all contributed to creating a highly stressed and anxious society.

What are the Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety?

Anxiety and stress cause various physical and mental symptoms which can include amongst others:

• Locked in muscle tension
• Headaches
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Stomach ache
• Panic attacks
• Nervousness
• Numbness or tingling
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irrational anger or irritability
• Restlessness
• Sleeplessness

How to Manage Stress in You Everyday Life

Avoiding stress may be impossible in today’s times so finding ways to manage stress is extremely important.

Lifestyle changes can be an effective way to relieve some of the stress and anxiety you may be faced with on a daily basis. This can be done in the following ways:

• Staying active and exercising – exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones. It also helps release endorphins, which are chemicals that improve your mood and act as natural painkillers
• Getting enough sleep – when you are well rested, you are more capable of coping with highly stressful situations. Your ability to remain calm and reason is improved when you get enough sleep
• Meditating – meditation is mostly focused on breathing. Controlled breathing can help us get through times of panic and anxiety with more ease. Just 10 – 15 minutes of meditation practice each day can prove to be hugely beneficial in managing stress
• Eating a healthy diet – avoiding highly processed foods as much as possible and trying to eat whole foods whenever you can will do wonders for your body. A nourishing diet will give you mental clarity, energy and will encourage peaceful sleep
• Avoiding alcohol – Alcohol consumption negatively impacts your capacity for mental focus, emotional regulation, and ability to sleep well among other things. It can also contribute to feelings of depression, guilt and shame which can further contribute to stress and anxiety
• Avoiding caffeine – many people are dependent on caffeine to wake up and to keep them going throughout the day. However, caffeine overstimulates the adrenal glands which ultimately results in chronic fatigiue. In addition, it also increased the heart rate which can induce feelings of anxiety
• Stop smoking – people depend on smoking to help them cope with stressful situations. However, it can lead to various kinds of health issues. In addition, smoking can cause individuals to lose their ability to handle stressful situations without the help of a cigarette as a crutch which indirectly creates more anxiety

Fun Ways to Cope with Stress and Anxiety?

• Start a journal – writing down your thoughts and feelings is a safe way to express yourself and to release heavy emotions. After writing about what got you down, write a few things that you are grateful for too
• Spend time with your loved ones – a good support system is vital for your mental health. Try and spend quality time with people you love, talking about life, reminiscing, and planning for exciting future goals. This will do wonders for uplifting your spirits
• Start a hobby or activity that makes you feel good – it may be running, yoga or scrapbooking. Whatever it is, doing something that you enjoy can greatly reduce your stress levels
• Do boundary work and learn to say no – stress and anxiety are often caused by people pleasing. Learning to say no can be extremely empowering and can help you avoid situations that cause you anxiety
• Set goals and work towards them – procrastination is the enemy of success. Avoiding your tasks is not going to make them go away, it will only cause you further stress. Write a to-do list and work through it one task at a time so that you aren’t overwhelmed
• Breathe deeply – deep breathing allows your body to relax, and this can help you work through highly stressful moments or circumstances

Body Stress Release Brackenfell – Managing Stress

Although stress and anxiety are consuming your work and personal life, there are many simple ways to reduce the pressure you may be feeling.

Body Stress Release is a wonderful way to help your body release stored stress and tension from the muscles.

For more information, or to make a booking with me, please contact me.