What is stress?
Many of us will suffer from stress at one time or another during our lives, and feeling ‘stressed out’ is a notion we can all relate to.
It’s a feeling of being under great pressure or strain. You may feel unable to cope with everyday life and/or unstable, and in turn lose your sense of clarity. Stress often happens to us in reaction to difficult and challenging situations.
But far from just being an emotion or state of mind, stress is a very real problem and affects both your mind and body in a series of ways.
What are the effects of stress?
Stress manifests itself both mentally and physically
When we are faced with a stressful situation, our body releases fight-or-flight hormones cortisol and adrenaline, which has a noticeable reaction within your body.
In order for us to respond accordingly to dangerous situations, our heart rate increases alongside our breathing and blood pressure, our muscles tense up and our brain is extra alert.
And while this may be a blessing in the wild when a predator is trying to make you his next meal, this can have a negative effect on you in the modern life. When we’re under stress repeatedly or for long periods of time, it can begin to damage our health and have a long-term affect on mind and body, such as increased anxietylevels and feelings of depression.
Studies have also pointed to our brains being weird to respond differntly to stressful situations, meaning some of us have a more 'helpless' rather than 'resilient' reaction. See more on that research HERE.
As well as the symptoms listed below, stress can have further dangers and long-term effects. For more information, see HERE.
What are the symptoms of stress?
If you’re feeling off balance, but not sure if stress is the reason, watch out for the following symptoms:
- Poor memory
- Lack of concentration
- Feelings of anxiety
- Increased body aches and pains
- Digestion problems
- Loss of libido
- Mood swings
- Feelings of sadness
- Short temper
What are ways to reduce, manage and relieve stress?
There are many ways we can both manage and relieve stress, and learning how to incorporate just a few of these into your life can help. But remember, there is no one-step solution to completely eliminating stress, and it may take some time to lower your stress levels overall.
Dr. Hilary, a GP, TV presenter, medical broadcaster and ambassador for Switch explains:
“Many who suffer with stress feel a loss of control. The key to changing, therefore, is taking charge. Start by looking at your lifestyle and avoiding unnecessary stresses.”
Although it sounds obvious, sitting down and thinking about exactly what is leading you to feel stressed is a good place to start.
Then you can think of ways to manage each issue.
As well as practical ways to deal with situations that are causing you stress – such as being overworked or money worries – there are little things you can do day-to-day that can help monitor stress levels.
Although it may be the last thing on your mind, exercise for example is a great way to minimise it. Try these mood-boosting workouts..
Taking up meditation and practising calming breathing routines has also been shown to help reduce stress.
And with the increase of mindfulness and awareness, we could all use more fun, practical and accessible ways to reduce stress. There are now an abundance of buys to help you eliminate tension – from colouring books to desk toys to pillow sprays. See our favourites HERE.
On coping with stress, Dr Christian advises: "Share your problems with other people. A good support network of friends, family and colleagues can see you through tricky times."
See more of Dr. Christian's advise on coping with stress [HERE](Share your problems with other people. A good support network of friends, family and colleagues can see you through tricky times. ).
How can we test our stress levels?
Want to assess your stress levels in a quick and easy way? Take our test HERE.
When do I need to seek help for my stress?
Stress can get to the point where tricks and techniques of easing to help calm you in the moment are no longer effective, and you need to seek medical help.
As explained above, stress over long periods of time can be damaging to your health.
Dr Hilary says:
“There are several solutions that you can discuss with your doctor. They may include a combination of medication and counselling or relaxation techniques.
“Stress is potentially damaging, but help is available, so don't suffer alone. Talk to a health professional, a friend or family member you can confide in or your Occupational Health Therapist.”
If you feel like stress is taking an overwhelming hold over your life and affecting your every action (or inaction) it’s time to seek help.
As said previously, everybody feels under pressure for short periods here and there and we all go through stressful moments in life – moving house, starting a new job – but when this is spiralling out of control so that ‘stressed’ becomes your normal state, it’s important to talk to a professional in order to get help.
***Also read... ***
Self help to the test: Will these apps and books really improve your life?
Coping with stress: 6 tips to help you de-stress by Closer's Dr Christian
The best stress relieving buys, from colouring books to pillow sprays
Life management tips: Banish stress and boost your quality of life
Anxiety: Everything you need to know, from dealing with attacks to seeking help