I spent years ignoring my stress, pretending it wasn't there until I eventually did become seriously ill. I've now learnt to check-in with myself daily and feel where stress is being held in my body. This allows me to acknowledge it and then I am able to use certain tools that I know work for me such as walking in the woods or 10 mins of deep breathing. If you ignore the stress it won't just disappear it remains in your body with no-where to go.
Stress is an inevitable part of life, and it can have both positive and negative effects on our physical and mental health. While some stress can be motivating and help us to perform at our best, excessive stress can have detrimental effects on our wellbeing. Chronic stress can lead to a range of physical health problems, including headaches, stomach issues, and difficulty sleeping, as well as mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
Fortunately, there are many effective stress management techniques that can help us to better cope with the stressors in our lives and improve our overall physical and mental health. Here are some tips for managing stress and improving your wellbeing:
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment, without judgment. It can help to reduce stress by calming the mind and improving focus and concentration. Regular mindfulness practice can also improve your physical health, by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure, and reducing chronic pain.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage stress and improve your mental and physical health. Exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that can improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It can also help to improve your sleep and increase your overall energy levels.
Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for good physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can increase stress levels and lead to a range of health problems, including poor concentration, irritability, and weakened immune function. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce stress and improve your health.
Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided relaxation, and guided imagery can help to calm the mind and reduce stress. These techniques can be done anywhere, at any time, and can help to improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. You don't need to pay for an app, there are loads of resources on Youtube.
Connect with others: Building and maintaining strong social connections is essential for good mental health. Spend time with friends and family, and make an effort to connect with others who share your interests and values. Connecting with others can help to reduce feelings of stress and improve your overall sense of wellbeing.
Why not try some of these techniques and see which ones you enjoy and make you feel more relaxed. Unfortunately you can't just avoid stressful situations however you can build resilience and release stress if you have the tools. However the first step is being in tune with your body and notice where the tension is- the most common places are in the jaw, shoulders, neck and chest area.
If you would like to make a change this year and prioritise your health why not book a free discovery call with me to see if I can help you.
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