Is stress a way of life?
Stress is part of everyday life and living. It can make you feel exhausted, unable to cope and in a state of flight response plays a critical role in how we deal with stress and danger in our environment. Essentially, the response prepares the body to either fight or flee the threat. It is also important to note that the response can be triggered due to both real and imaginary threats.
Understanding the body’s fight-or-flight response is one way to help cope with such situations. When you notice that you are becoming tense, you can start looking for ways to calm down and relax your body. These activities are for new ways to cope with stress.
GET OUTSIDE – being outside in nature is great for wellbeing. Going for a short walk or sitting in a green space can have an extremely calming effect on how we feel. Just sit and listen to the birds, focus on their different sounds, take in deep breaths and you feel so much better. Try gardening – as it can also have a positive impact on our brain chemistry, influencing the release of serotonin and cortisol, which help us feel good. For many gardeners, a daily stroll around the garden is one of the most enjoyable things to do. It allows you a peaceful moment to see what has grown or changed.
TRY SOMETHING CREATIVE – When we’re doing something creative, we’re using a different part of the brain to where stress is occurring. Even for 5 minutes, being creative can help to relieve feelings of pressure. You could draw, doodle, sew, sing, paint.
EXERCISE – (yes, I know, everyone says exercise) even the thought of it will make you feel more stressed, but it is a very effective way to combat stress. When we exercise our bodies release endorphins which help us feel good. (and you don’t have to spend hours in the gym), you could go for a walk or jeffing (jeffing is walking for 60 seconds and a light jog for 60 seconds), it’s been proven that this helps your heart too, and any exercise that gets your heart pumping even a little, daily is good for you. Dancing is another form of exercise, listening to your favourite music and dance away to it. PRACTICE MINDFULLNESS – Noticing your emotions and gaining a sense of perspective on them. It’s typically done by sitting or lying down in a quiet place and focussing on your breathing. This enables you to focus on the present moment and gradually let go of outside thoughts and distractions. (When I do this, I pray). It’s the ability to be fully present and fully engaged with whatever you are doing in the moment. Start by noticing things in your immediate surroundings such as smell, touch, sounds, taste, and sight – this can help to ground you. There are lots of free apps on the internet and on YouTube to help you start mindfulness practice.
WRITE DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS – You’re not writing with the aim of anyone reading it, just for yourself to get down on paper what you’re feeling. This can be a big stress reliever. Listen to music, and try some classical music at night, this can help you relax.
ALLOCATE SOME TIME FOR YOURSELF AND DO SOMETHING YOU ENJOY – When we’re busy it’s easy to eliminate the things we enjoy from our schedule. But these are the things which help us to relieve stress.
TALK TO SOMEONE – As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved. Speaking to a friend, loved onTaken from an article in the Grapevine Erewash Mag, adapted by Christina J Ashcrofte, colleague or therapist can help you lighten the stress you may be feeling.
Taken from an article in the Grapevine Erewash Mag, adapted by Christina J Ashcroft
