How Stressed Are You? Recognising the Signs and Restoring Balance

Are you cool, calm and collected, or are your nerves on edge, pushing you towards a stress-induced meltdown? With constant work, responsibilities and social pressures, it’s no wonder many of us are feeling overwhelmed – and it’s affecting more than just our mental health.

Stress can lead to insomnia, loss of appetite and even physical aches and pains. That’s why it’s so important to understand your stress levels and identify the root causes. Whether you’re feeling highly stressed or usually take things in your stride, there are simple ways to stay calm – even when the pressure is on. Here are some recommendations. 

Top tips for managing stress

• The first step towards stress-free living is to identify what's causing your stress. Piling paperwork, social strains or cash concerns - once we single out these niggling pressures we can take a fresh perspective and begin feeling better in ourselves.
• Sufferers of stress can often feel apathetic; becoming isolated or withdrawn. Social interactions are really important and provide a great forum for talking out your problems. Family and friends are there to send reassurance and positive vibes, a valuable support network that can minimise stress and provide a sense of empathy integral to feeling happier again.
• When you are stressed don't just sit back and hope the feeling will pass, take action and engage with your problems. The feeling that things are out of your control is a common cause of stress in itself, to combat it take a deep breath, regulate your breathing and repeat the following mantra 'I can do this, I am in control'. Feel the pressure across your shoulders ease as the weight of your day is lifted! 
• Exercise mindfulness techniques. Meditation is a great stress reliever that is even prescribed by the NHS. Simply find some time to yourself, away from worldly distractions and concentrate on your inner being. Whilst meditation will not solve your problems it will help to clear your mind, making it easier to identify them. Meditation is also a great way of finding self-confidence and calming yourself down in the face of mounting pressure. 
• Take a break. There is nothing better for forgetting your worries quite like getting away from it all. Relax away from home with zero responsibilities, perhaps even a spot of pampering!
  
  

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