Stress: Are we coping?
We all feel the effects of stress in daily life, whether it’s managing children or dealing with a problem at work. Stress is a normal response, in fact, in small doses, stress can be useful. The problems arise when you start to have a ‘fight or flight’ stress response to situations in everyday life. This can lead to illness, both mentally and physically.
The first step is to recognise symptoms of stress:
- Nail biting and fidgeting
- Over-eating or loss of appetite
- Irritability with other people
- Substance abuse, including alcohol and smoking
- Lack of concentration
- Increased and suppressed anger
- Feeling out of control
- Excessive emotion & crying
- Lack of interest in anything
- Permanently tired even after sleep
By identifying stress-related problems as early as possible, action can be taken to avoid any serious stress-related illness. For Mental Health Awareness week, which runs from 14-18 May, here are some tips to help manage your own personal stress:
- Be active – 30 minutes a day can reduce the emotions and let you take the time to think more clearly
- Take control – you are your own worst enemy, but you are also the key to empowerment!
- Find support – Connect with your family and friends, the more help the better the solutions
- Take time for yourself – remember to have time for yourself as well. Read, relax and get things done on your to do list that may be holding you back
- Create challenges for yourself – Setting achievable goals, little or big can help build confidence in your abilities
- Avoid unhealthy habits – Cut down on caffeine, smoking, and alcohol. These can enhance the feeling of stress in the long run
- Be positive – Instead of looking at problems negatively, try to see what you can get out of it to help you grow. Be grateful!
- Acceptance – Take ownership of mistakes, or acceptance of things you can’t control.
Our Occupational Health team at the Fleet Street Clinic are able to provide a full range of work health assessments to address the occupational health needs of your staff. Click here for more information.
To book an appointment with one of our friendly doctors, or for further details on what we can offer for our Occupational Health, call us today on 0207 353 5678 email info@fleetstreetclinic.com or book online now.
Related Posts
