Stress is a feeling of being under abnormal pressure. This pressure can come from different aspects of your day to day life, such as an increased workload, an argument you have with your family or friend or financial worries.
During these situations you may feel threatened or upset and your body might create a stress response. This can cause a variety of physical symptoms, change the way you behave, and lead you to experience more intense emotions.
Taking care of your long-term mental and physical health is an important part of stress management.
So what to do when you’re going through a stressful time?
Acknowledge your stress
Acknowledging your stress can really help lift the weight off your shoulders and could be the first step to asking for help. If it’s tied to a more long-term problem you can’t immediately solve, try another one of the quick relaxer tips below.
Focus on breathing
Just focusing on your breath or changing the way you breathe can make a big difference to your overall stress level. Breathing techniques can calm your body and your brain in just a few minutes.
Go on a walk
Exercise is a fantastic stress reliever that can work in minutes. Taking a walk allows you to enjoy a change of scenery, which can get you into a different frame of mind, and brings the benefits of exercise as well.
Stretch
Standing up for a quick stretch can relieve muscle tension and help you relax during a stressful workday. Try a shoulder roll-out or a chest-opening stretch right from the desk chair.
Apply cold water on your wrist
When stress hits, head for the bathroom and drop some cold water on your wrists and behind your earlobes. There are major arteries right underneath the skin, so cooling these areas can help calm the whole body.
Talk to someone
When something’s really bothering you, it can help to share your feelings with someone. In fact, more talkative people tend to be happier in general.
Write it down
Writing out what you’re stressed about can help you focus your thoughts on the positive or ways to tackle the negative.
Take a bath
The answer to washing away a day of stress may be in your bathroom. Hot water is known to help release endorphins and increase blood flow to the skin. Warm baths can also improve breathing, lower blood pressure and burn calories.
If you have any questions then don’t hesitate to contact our health care professional.
Our Dr Jeanina is a Counselling Psychologist and she can help with anxiety management, depression, stress reduction, cognitive behavioural therapy and relationship dynamics.
Click here to book an appointment or call us on 0207 838 6180 or email us on contact@cpmedicalclinic.com
