Stress... a modern day epidemic!
Are you stressed?
Do you feel tired, irritable, anxious, unable to switch off? Is your energy low? Your libido suffering? Is your body sore and tense? Are your shoulders up around your ears with tension, are you getting headaches or migraines more regularly than you should? Are you relying on coffee, red bull, cigarettes or sugary foods just to give you the energy to get through the day? Are you drinking alcohol at the end of the day as it's the only way you can relax?
If you answer yes to any of these- you are probably stressed! Join the club! In the fast paced world we live in, with numerous demands on our time, it is very easy to feel the effects of stress on our lives.
Not all stress is bad... stress is caused by natural reactions in our body. The "fight or flight" response we feel when we are put under pressure, and the hormones which are released into our bodies makes us feel "pumped" and ready to fight or run away from danger. These hormones can give us a boost in some situations - like during a job interview or an important presentation. The adrenaline rush gives us an edge... However, it is when the body is being put under constant pressure by high levels of adrenaline constantly being pumped into it that we start to feel the real effects of stress.
Stress can lead to illness and dis-ease. It disrupts the delicate balance of the body and over time, can cause and contribute to illness. High blood pressure is often directly linked to stressful lifestyles and over time can cause damage to the arteries - contributing to heart attack or stroke. This is just one example, there are many many more. So - how are we going to get our stress levels back under control? Prevention is better than cure, so try some of my ideas below. They wont all suit everyone, but the key is to find what works for you and practice it regularly. I know it's hard to find the time - but can you really afford not to?
1 / A great way to take some time out and relax is to go for a massage or a relaxing Reiki treatment. Now, I know I would say that, being a therapist and all, but I myself go for regular treatments to ensure I keep my stress levels under control. It was through having aromatherapy massage myself and experiencing the benefits I felt that encouraged me to study to become an aromatherapist myself. The benefits of massage are extensive, and include deep relaxation, helping the body to release toxins, boosting the immune system, more restful sleep, and many more. Please see my "Massage" webpage on this site for more info.
2 / Go for a walk... Very few of us get enough exercise these days, but going for a walk round the block can really help to get those stress levels under control. Maybe pop out for 20 mins in your lunch hour and just get some fresh air? And if you can get near some nature, so much the better! Being out amongst beautiful plants and trees will boost the feel good effect. If walking isn't for you, maybe you are a gym bunny, or you like to jog, or play squash? Anything as long as it makes you feel great afterwards.
3/ Take a bath... Bit of a cliché this one, but boy does it work! The best tip I can give you here is to really make an occasion of your bath time.. use scented bath oil (or, if you're one of my aromatherapy clients, ask me to make you a bespoke blend of essential oils for your bath), maybe use a few candles and bathe in candlelight. Then take the phone of the hook and lay back and just relax for 15-20 mins or so. Enjoy! It might also be worth noting, that even if you prefer to use the shower, it is still possible to have a very soothing experience. I like to shower after I get in from work and I imagine the strains and negativity of the day washing off me and literally going down the plug hole - leaving me "clean" and positive to enjoy the rest of the day.
4/ Meditation. I have recently been converted to the joys of meditation (within the last 12 months) and now ensure I meditate for at least 15 minutes every day. Finding a technique or method which works for you is essential, whether it be as simple as focusing on the breath or a fully guided visualisation, meditation can make literally make the stresses of the day blend away!
5/ Take up a hobby! Whether it be painting, reading, cooking, whatever floats your boat, having a hobby can be a valuable source of release from the stresses and strains of life!
6/ Try Yoga or Pilates. Many people find that these disciplines can help them take time out and help to bring a sense of calm and perspective back to life.
7/ Get a pet! Scientists have found that stroking a pet can lower your blood pressure significantly and make you feel less stressed. Although I'm sure this is true whilst stroking your pet, being a cat owner myself, I am well aware of a whole raft of other stresses which come as part of owning an animal (half dead animals in the house...etc)!
As a final thought... those of you who know me will know that although I am trying to find new ways to keep my own stress levels under control every day, sometimes stress gets the better of me. When this happens, I can be found indulging in chocolate or a glass of wine... and when things get really bad - BOTH!
How do you beat stress? Let me know if you have any novel ideas..