Stressed?
Some pressure is inevitable. But it's important to know the difference between pressure and stress. Problems arise when the pressure you're under is more than you are able to cope with.
Are you stressed?
If you think you might be experiencing stress ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you angry and impatient with people close to you?
- Do you feel close to tears over small events?
- Are you behaving differently from usual?
- Do you feel isolated from people around you?
- Is your self-esteem at rock bottom?
Do you have any of these physical symptoms?
- Sleeplessness
- Loss of appetite or irregular eating
- Panic attacks and difficulty breathing
- Tight, knotty feelings in your stomach
- Low energy and lack of concentration
- Loss of interest in things around you
What can you do if you are stressed?
1. Give yourself some space
If you start to feel that you're getting stressed – take a step back. Give yourself some space, take some time every day doing something you enjoy and not thinking about anything else.
"Impossible!" Most people will claim. Not so. Everyone has 15 minutes in a day that they can reserve for themselves. It might just be a walk round the block, a bit of gardening or a bath with the door locked and some earplugs in. The important thing is that you get the time to yourself for yourself.
2. Know your limits
If your expectations of yourself are always sky high you will inevitably spend a great deal of time being disappointed and frustrated. Instead, be realistic in what you can achieve and celebrate success at every opportunity.
Remember that you are entitled to breaks and days off – take them. And make sure you get a reasonable amount of sleep.
Not taking on too much, accepting offers of help from others and doing one thing at a time are ways to prevent stress.
3. Learn to relax physically
Believe it or not, being able to relax your body is a skill. You must teach yourself to do it effectively and once you do, it can be very powerful.
Relaxation is best done every day and at a time and place where you will not be disturbed.
People relax in different ways. For some, physical exercise is a way of relaxing. Try walking, running, dancing, or sport. Others may prefer to sit quietly and go through a relaxation exercise. Try different things to find what's right for you. But try not to overdo it on the booze or other substances.
4. Sleep
It sounds obvious, but a night without restful sleep is a recipe for disaster. Whether it's difficulty falling asleep, waking up in the night or waking too early and not being able to get back to sleep - it can wear a person down and leave them in no state to face the day's problems. Feeling less able to cope can mean feeling stressed more easily and feeling stressed can mean finding it harder to get a restful nights sleep - a vicious circle.
5. Talk
If things do feel like they're getting on top of you, perhaps you could consider the most difficult of all things -talking.
Speak to someone you trust, outside or inside your work about the things that are causing you stress.
Remember your emotional health is your responsibility and Samaritans is there to help whatever time of the day or night. Across the UK, you can call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (1850 60 90 90 in the Republic of Ireland) for the price of a local call.
This article was adapted with permission from www.samaritans.org
To find out about Care for the Family's new event 'The Stress Survival Guide', click here!
David Oliver, international speaker and presenter of 'The Stress Survival Guide' shares his own experiences of coping with a stressful life. Read more...
Posted on 17th March.
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