07532 499445
julie@absolute-wellness.co.uk
The Stress Factor
We all will suffer from periods of stress in our lives, every single one of us
There is no shirking away from using the word stress nowadays, we seem to have really absorbed the concept that the lives we now lead are infinitely more stressful than ever before. Not so long as 10 years ago, we still found it difficult to accept that we were under a level of stress that was impacting on our mental health. It wasn’t something we wanted to admit to or have on our medical records. Thankfully the stigma around stress, anxiety and depression has been changing and workplaces are doing much more to support their employees going through stressful life events.
Stress is the adverse effect on the body or mind from too much pressure. We all have a different ‘stress threshold’ - levels we can cope with; but when the pressure is for long extended periods then this is where we can experience anxiety, depression and a greater risk of heart conditions, cancers and other serious ill health.
Stress affects us all differently too. We can often manage our stress levels from our experience and using coping mechanisms (exercise, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, healthy lifestyle, support from family/friends); however sometimes it just takes one added stress and that tips the balance between what we can cope with and what becomes over-whelming.
Stress factors can usually be related to one of the following:
1. Lack of control – over your direction in life, everyday decisions, working schedule
2. Lack of support – from work, family, friends
3. Change – some of us relish change and others find it too much, even if it’s a positive change e.g. new job, new home, getting married, having children
4. Financial stress
5. Health concerns
6. Family responsibilities/ relationships – too many demands and dynamics to deal with; bereavements, divorce, separation. At work, bullying or challenging relationships
Stress can manifest itself very subtly at first, and often people are in denial that they are even suffering from stress. But the most important thing is being able to see the early warning signs that are meaningful to you, and then start to put in place measures to help with coping through stressful times. Warnings signs can be behavioural - anything from over-eating, avoiding people and being inactive. They can also be internal signs, such as stomach problems, sweating, flushing and not being able to switch off and sleep.
I had a period of stress recently where I felt overwhelmed with all the demands in my life from children, family health concerns, relationship and work. It just reached a point where I had to stop and simplify. This is what I do. I simplify my life and focus on the key priorities. My warning signs were a feeling of helplessness, being emotional, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea and insomnia! It’s quite a list but I’d reached a point where if I didn’t address a few of my stressors I was going to burnout.
When I was able to see rationally see what was causing me the most tension I was able to lower my stress levels. I got support from friends and family and when I communicated my feeling’s I started to feel a bit better. This led to an improvement in my sleep which was the biggest concern for me while trying to keep the house running with 3 children and an active job. Your coping mechanisms might be talking to others, getting outdoors for exercise and eating a nourishing diet.
Recognising your stressors, what your internal warning signs are and the coping mechanisms that have worked for you in the past can all help. Also going for further support through CBT, relaxation sessions, yoga and reiki. Absolute Wellness offer all these services. Also of interest may be the ‘Yoga, Mindfulness and Nutrition Planning workshop’ on 25th January in Chryston. Please contact julie@absolute-wellness.co.uk for more information.
