Managing stress
Stress can be described as the way you feel when you are under pressure, for example if you are speaking in public for the first time.
Some stress can be good and can even make us perform better. It can make us more alert and help us in difficult situations.
But stress is only good as a short lived response. Too much stress or stress over a long time can lead to illness and physical and emotional exhaustion. Lots of people see their GP every year suffering from anxiety and depression, much of which is stress related.
Recognising stress
Some common signs of too much stress include:
- increased irritability
- being more sensitive to criticism
- signs of tension , such as nail biting
- difficulty getting to sleep and early morning waking
- increased use of alcohol or cigarettes
- indigestion
- loss of concentration
Dealing with stress
The secret of managing stress is to look after yourself and where possible to remove of the causes of stress.
Some ways of coping with stress are:
- accept offers of practical help
- do one thing at a time- don't keep piling stress on stress
- know your own limits -don't be too competitive or expect too much of yourself
- talk to someone
- do things you enjoy and have some fun
- let off steam in a way that causes no harm, shout , scream ,hit a pillow!!
- walk away from stressful situations
- try to spend some time with people who are rewarding rather than critical and judgemental
- practise slow breathing using the lower part of the lungs
- use relaxation techniques
Useful links
Nhs Direct online has more information about the causes and symptomsof stress and more links to helpful web sites
Managing stress
Stress can be described as the way you feel when you are under pressure, for example if you are speaking in public for the first time.
Some stress can be good and can even make us perform better. It can make us more alert and help us in difficult situations.
But stress is only good as a short lived response. Too much stress or stress over a long time can lead to illness and physical and emotional exhaustion. Lots of people see their GP every year suffering from anxiety and depression, much of which is stress related.
Recognising stress
Some common signs of too much stress include:
- increased irritability
- being more sensitive to criticism
- signs of tension , such as nail biting
- difficulty getting to sleep and early morning waking
- increased use of alcohol or cigarettes
- indigestion
- loss of concentration
Dealing with stress
The secret of managing stress is to look after yourself and where possible to remove of the causes of stress.
Some ways of coping with stress are:
- accept offers of practical help
- do one thing at a time- don't keep piling stress on stress
- know your own limits -don't be too competitive or expect too much of yourself
- talk to someone
- do things you enjoy and have some fun
- let off steam in a way that causes no harm, shout , scream ,hit a pillow!!
- walk away from stressful situations
- try to spend some time with people who are rewarding rather than critical and judgemental
- practise slow breathing using the lower part of the lungs
- use relaxation techniques
Useful links
Nhs Direct online has more information about the causes and symptomsof stress and more links to helpful web sites