What is stress?
When we say things like “this is stressful” or “I’m stressed”, we might be talking about:
Situations or events that put pressure on us – for example, times where we have lots to do and think about, or don’t have much control over what happens.
Our reaction to being placed under pressure – the feelings we get when we have demands placed on us that we find difficult to cope with.
Stress is our body’s response to pressures from a situation or life event. What contributes to stress can vary hugely from person to person and differs according to our circumstances, the environment we live in and our genetic makeup.
To find out more click on the links below:
How to Manage Stress (www.mind.org.uk) – this link have information on how to manage stress
Stress: are we coping? (www.mentalhealth.org.uk) – this animation clip describes what stress is and has some ideas about what you can do to reduce stress
Some Strategies for Managing Stress
If you continue to feel overwhelmed by stress, seeking professional help can support you in managing effectively. Do not be afraid to seek professional help if you feel that you are no longer able to manage things on your own. Below are some strategies that might be useful to try:
- Identify what your priorities are. You may have many tasks that require attention. Decide which need your immediate attention and those that can wait. Also think about the tasks that are important but easy to put off but could make a big difference to your quality of life. For example spending time with friends, finding time for myself.
- Know what you value in your life according to aspects in your life that you value the most. Think about the different aspects of your life including relationships, work, leisure and how you would wish these to look/be.
- Identify stressful situations and when they arise use this as a trigger to perhaps practice some breathing or mindful exercises
- Focus on small pleasures. If you like to go for a walk pay attention to the experience of this walk, taking in the whole experience, the smells and sounds around you.
- Try to get enough sleep, people who sleep less than five hours a night are more likely to struggle to implement the other strategies suggested and more vulnerable to physical side effects such as high blood pressure and increased appetite
To find out more click on the link below:
Range of self help leaflets(Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust)
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