What is stress?
Stress is our body’s natural reaction triggered by pressures and difficult situations. Stress, on its positive side, prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. It can serve as a motivational force that help us to move forward. However, after certain point unmanaged stress could become overwhelming leading to unwanted consequences. Especially in our current post pandemic time stress is rising due to the impact of the cost of living crisis.
How do know if I am being stressed?
Stress has various signs and we all experience stress differently. The most common tell-tale signs of stress can be categorised under physical, mental and emotional indicators.
Physical signs
- Heart pounds faster
- Muscles tighten
- Blood pressure rises
- Breath quickens
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches and headaches
- Blurred eyesight or sore eyes
Mental signs
- Find it hard to make decisions
- Unable to concentrate
- Memory feel slower than usual
- Poor judgment
Emotional signs
- Irritable, angry, impatient or wound up
- Over-burdened or overwhelmed
- Anxious, nervous or afraid
- worried or tense
- Snap at people
- Constantly worry or have feelings of dread
- Restless, like you can’t sit still
Things you can do to help with stress
- Plan ahead for stressful days or events
- Use easy time-management techniques to help you take control
- Use relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercise
- Look after yourself by eating healthy foods, keeping physically active and having enough sleep
- Do not try to do everything at once – set small targets you can easily achieve
- Do not focus on the things you cannot change – focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel better
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