How to reduce Stress in 10 Easy Steps
One of the most common complaints I come across in my practice is STRESS – but what is stress? Is a little bit good for us? How much is too much - and what can we do to reduce our feelings of it in our day to day lives?
Small doses of stress can actually have a positive impact on our lives – such as making sure we don’t walk into to oncoming traffic, or to spur us on when we have a big presentation. It can keep us alert and out of dangers way. Stress becomes a problem when it’s continuous and this can in turn have a detrimental effect on health encouraging problems such as muscle tension, skin conditions, headaches, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression and heart problems. It can also suppress the immune system making you more prone to picking up coughs, colds and viruses.
How do we get back control and find the space for a little bit of zen in our lives? Here are my top tips:
Be honest! Do you really need or want to go to that party or social occasion or do you feel obligated to do so? Do you feel you actually have time to take on another project at work? If the answer is no then say so – create boundaries and time for yourself and your body and mind will thank you!
Set aside time to eat nourishing food and make it a priority, not a rushed occasion. Your body needs fuel, skipping meals can wreak havoc on our blood sugar – clouding our thoughts. A homemade lunch eaten in the sunshine always tops a shop brought sandwich at your desk.
Exercise. One of the best stress relievers triggering those feel good endorphins! The trick is finding something that works for you that you can enjoy. That may be going for a run outside after a day trapped in the office, or incorporating a weekly yoga class.
Have an early night. Create a peaceful wind down bedtime routine – whatever works for you. Limiting screen time, reading, enjoying warm milk or a soothing herbal tea – even some peaceful meditation. Take time to wind down.
TALK! If life is getting on top of you, don’t bottle things up – find someone you trust to talk to and lighten the load.
Try and limit caffeine – especially in the afternoon, switch to a decaf instead.
Try and time manage as effectively as possible, prepping your outfit and the children’s school clothes the evening before can make all the difference to your mood the following morning.
Schedule me - time like you would schedule a dentist appointment, and spend some time doing what you love and find soothing. This is easier said than done but not impossible! It doesn't have to be long - a stolen 20 minutes flicking through a new magazine may be all you need to recharge.
Indulge in a regular calming massage treatment! This can be a very effective tool for helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
10. Some stress issues are harder to tackle – often more serious, maybe triggered by a death or a redundancy. These should always be talked through with your GP to ensure you get the help and support you need.
Written by Maria Mortimer ITEC CTHa– Massage Therapist. Swedish and deep tissue massage treatments are available at Serenity hair & beauty salon in Horsford, Norwich & Bodyworks hair & beauty salon in Drayton, Norwich. For bookings please email norwichmassagecompany@gmail.com
