Feeling stressed has become a normal part of life and we all feel under pressure at some point or another – be it from financial concerns, work pressures or life simply catching up with us. In fact, 74% of Brits say that they experience stress from time to time. While a small amount of stress can be helpful, if you become overwhelmed with stress, it can really take a toll on your mental and physical health.
That is why this Stress Awareness Month, we are taking a closer look at the effects of stress and how you can manage your stress before it rules your life.
What is Stress Awareness Month?
Since 1992, April has been dedicated to promoting stress management and reducing the stigma around stress and mental health issues. This is because stress is one of the most significant health-related challenges we face in the modern world.
While we have made a lot of progress when it comes to reducing the social stigma associated with poor mental health, we can be our own worst critics. Many people feel that their stress makes them worthless. That is why this month is all about raising awareness for the personal stigma that many people deal with, as well as the social stigma.
Why is it Important?
Changing how you think is not always an effective cure for stress. After all, stress is not always in your mind and can have a range of sources that involve the entire body. Even though you may not realise it, stress can affect both your physical and mental health. When these symptoms are left unchecked, this can lead to health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes and obesity.
The effects of stress on the body, include:
- Change in sex drive
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Stomach problems
- Trouble sleeping
The effects of stress on a person’s mood include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Feeling agitated
- Feeling angry
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling unmotivated
The effects of stress on your behaviour include:
- Alcohol or drug misuse
- Experiencing angry outbursts
- Reduced physical activity
- Smoking
- Social withdrawal
- Undereating or overeating
How to Manage Your Stress
There are many ways you can unwind and prevent stress from becoming a real problem. Here are our top tips to help you cope with stress and improve your mood.
1. Talk Through your Problems
Simply talking about how you feel can help you release any pent-up feelings. In some cases, speaking to someone outside of the situation, such as a GP or counsellor can help you find a solution to the problem. Even talking to your loved ones can make a world of difference. Research shows that having at least one quality conversation with a friend every day can significantly lower stress levels and increase feelings of happiness.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is simply about being present and taking notice of what is happening. Living in the moment can help you focus on your priorities so you can enjoy the people and things around you.
3. Be Active
Engaging in physical activity can help to relieve stress and stimulate the production of endorphins. It is important to remember that you do not need to engage in a high-intensity activity. Simply going for a walk can improve your mood. For more advice on how to relieve stress, read our stress management tips from our medical experts.
Get Support From our Caring GPs
We know that we all respond differently to stress. That is why we take a holistic approach to emotional health and well-being. At Midland Health, we can quickly arrange appointments with our friendly GPs. That way, you can get expert advice when you need it the most. We will work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan to help you effectively manage the symptoms of stress.
If you are struggling to cope with life’s ups and downs, book a consultation with us today.