10 ways to de-stress

STRESS can affect all of us, and the scary thing is that sometimes you just dont even realise you are experiencing it . Here are a few symptoms.. how many do you have?

• Low energy.

• Headaches.

• Upset stomach, including diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea.

• Aches, pains, and tense muscles.

• Chest pain and rapid heartbeat.

• Insomnia.

• Frequent colds and infections.

• Loss of sexual desire and/or ability

• Short tempered, angry outbursts

Too much stress can affect our mood, our body and our relationships – especially when it feels out of our control. It can make us feel anxious and irritable, and affect our self-esteem.

There is lots of info out there about what effects #stress can have on the body

Stress - How to Cope (rethink.org) have a look here for more insight.

1. We all need less stress in our life, it can take away our joy, our motivation, our perception on things. I know those who deal with it by turning to drink, those that shout, cry, and those that deal with it in a beneficial way. So lets take a look at some things YOU can do to ease your stress.

1. Challenge unhelpful thoughts - The way that we think about things has an impact on our mood, anxiety and stress levels. Many of these thoughts occur outside of our control, and can be negative or unhelpful. It is therefore important to remember that they are just thoughts, without any real basis, and are not necessarily facts. Even though we may believe a lot of our unhelpful thoughts when we are feeling low, anxious or stressed, it is good to remember that they should be questioned as they are often based on wrong assumptions .Read more here: MOODJUICE - Challenging Thoughts - Self-help Guide (scot.nhs.u

2. Talk to someone -Talking may not always feel good, but it is always part of the healing process and will benefit you in the long run. Talking to someone you trust in particular can allow your emotions to be dealt with kindness, sympathy and support – the way they always should be dealt with.

3. Let yourself feel positive. - For this you grab yourself a notepad and start to write each morning or evening about 3 things you are grateful for and why. Gratitude has been shown to improve a reduction in stress, helps you feel calm at night, helps you gain a new perspective of what is important to you. You will gain more clarity on what you want to have more in your life, it can help you focus on what is important. Remember its your journal, you can write anything you wish in it, its for your eyes only.

4. Be more active- go for a walk, get that bike out the shed and enjoy being out in nature. Try a new hobby. My favourite activity is dancing.. pop on some music and strut those moves in the comfort of your own home , or even join a class.

Here s my go to https://www.facebook.com/802714446/videos/10160778777439447/

5. Meditate/ Mindfulness

This is another of my go to's Medication has been proven to slow your thinking, calm your whole self, lower your heart rate and much more . You dont have to spend hours doing it. Start off slowly, 2/3 minutes and build up. I find it brings more clarity and a deeper inner calm by slowing your reactions to stress. There are many great apps out there that I would recommend.

#insighttimer

#headspace

or you can can log on here or my FB page where I will be posting up some live meditations and videos to combat stress.

6. Take time out read a book, listen to music, have a soak in bubbly bath, watch a favourite program. All of these can help you to stop the inner chatter and de stress.

7. Stretch! Take some deep breaths and start to rotate your shoulder slowly, backwards and forwards. Place your arms in the air and stretch above you, Stretch your legs, rotate your ankles. Try this

https://youtu.be/DI5Xn6C0Bmc

8. Music. Grab your headphones, or turn the music up loud. Let the music absorb you . If you are looking for something relaxing you can try this

https://youtu.be/lFcSrYw-ARY

9. Get inspired with a TED talk - these great podcasts and videos are great when you need some inspiration and motivation.

https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

10. and finally.. Eat healthily - Eat foods that will nourish your immune system, uplift your mood . While occasional bouts of stress are difficult to avoid, chronic stress can take a serious toll on your physical and emotional health. In fact, it may increase your risk of conditions like heart disease and depression. There are many foods that can help boost your moods.

• Brazil nuts. Share on Pinterest Brazil nuts contain selenium, which may help to improve mood.

• Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, and herring, are high in omega-3.

• Eggs.

• Pumpkin seeds.

• Dark chocolate.

• Turmeric.

• Chamomile.

• Yogurt.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!

If you would like to know more information on how alternative therapies may benefit you please get in touch