Labour leader, Ed Miliband, recently branded Mental Health as the “biggest un-addressed health challenge of our age.”
We are told a little stress is a good thing. It gives us the motivation to get going with our daily life activities. In fact an absence of stress can leave us devoid off any zeal to perform tasks.
However too much of it can prove fatal to our health and mental well-being. Raised blood pressure, recurrent headaches or migraines, lack of sleep and weight loss are some of the negatives of stress overflow in our system.
The persistent gloomy weather we are blessed with doesn’t help either.
Engaging in popular unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking is not recommended to ward off stress. These habits like stress have a negative effect on our health.
The good news is there are several ways to combat stress, controlling it before it controls us. As we celebrate National Stress Awareness Day on 7th November, here are seven recommended stress busters:
Relaxation
By far the most effective antidote to stress, the benefits of partaking in any form of activity which makes us relaxed cannot be underestimated. Relaxation does not have to be expensive self indulgent treats like visiting a spa. A walk in the serene environment of the woods, far from the madding crowd can be as equally effective. Find out what makes you relax and at ease, and try to do this activity as often as you can.
Sexercise
Yes you read it right. It is not a typing error. Sex is a form of exercise which like other work outs, releases endorphins, our happy hormones responsible for a feeling of well being. Exercising is good for our health. You don’t have to fork out huge sums of money attending a gym. A brisk run in an open air park sounds more inviting than thumping the treadmill in an air tight sweaty gym.
Speak to someone
A problem shared is a problem halved. In this our rat race world, we may find ourselves caught up like hamsters in an endless spinning wheel. It is important to take time out to speak to someone even just for 10 minutes. Too often, stress derives from us bottling up our feelings inside for too long. If we practised the art of talking to trusted family and friends more often, counsellors and psychotherapists would be out of jobs in no time. Can’t speak to someone? Put your thoughts on paper.
Writing
Having a diary of our thoughts, writing down how we feel is a most cost-free effective form of relieving stress. Counsellors have been known to tell their patients to diary their train of thoughts on paper, using them later on as a reflective tool. Medical professionals use this reflective technique all time.
Meditation
The most important person in your life is YOU. An unhealthy or sick you is of no benefit to your partner, children, family or friends. Therefore it is important to find some me time, delving microscopically introspectively into you. Most people with busy lives find early mornings are the best time for solace and meditation.
Seek Professional Help
Visit your GP for professional help if stress is becoming unmanageable. You can also call the 24 hour Samaritan helpline on 08457 90 90 90. Visit the NHS choice direct on here, for more information.
Stay Positive
“Life is like a camera. Just focus on what’s important capturing the good times, developed from the negatives. And if things don’t work out, just take another shot.” (Author: Anon)
To mark National Stress Awareness day, the Priory Hospital in Roehampton will be holding free workshops on how to beat stress. Capitalising on the Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) technique, it incorporates yoga and body minding exercise, teaching people how to deal with stress.
Contact Nick Collins on 07827 850 341 or nickcollins@priorygroup.com to book a place on this registration only event.
