10 tips to stress management

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Stress comes in a variety of ways and is not as some people think a sign of weakness. Stress is the compound build up of an effect that can range from physical stress like sitting at a computer for long periods of time to emotional stress like relationship issues. Regardless of the cause the results are the same and result in the bodies gradual degradation in it’s ability to cope. Some of the side effects of stress can include:

• Physical pain and immobility
• Digestive disturbances such as reflux, diarrhoea, constipation
• Insomnia
• Anxiety/ depression
• Fatigue
• Hypertension
• Weight gain/ loss
• Poor memory
• Low libido
• Infertility

Here are 10 simple tips to help you combat the effects of stress to help you become healthier and happier.

1. Be organised– In many cases causes of stress are as a result of being overwhelmed. Particularly in our fast paced society high demands are placed on our time. Being organised means you are more efficient with your use of time and therefore  less stressed.
2. Positive reinforcement – Positive thinking helps create positive feelings. If you are constantly berating yourself or thinking negative thoughts then this will directly affect your mood and your ability to function effectively. Positive thinking while not being the answer to every situation can be a powerful tool in helping reduce stress.
3. Meditation – Meditation has been proven to reduce stress in the body and assist the body to cope with stress more effectively. If you don’t know how find a course that can teach you or check out one of the many meditation Apps that can be found on the web. Remember expecting perfection if you have never meditated is an unreasonable so be kind to yourself. It has been said that even the great masters of meditation are only able to achieve a deep meditative state 40% of the time so there is hope for the likes of us. We recommend a minimum of 10 minutes per day first thing in the morning as a start point.
4. Exercise – Regular exercise enhances the bodies ability to manage and cope with stress by improving cardiovascular and nervous system function. You don’t have to run a marathon just 10 minutes per day has been shown to have significant benefits.
5. Diet – Yes that old chestnut. There is a huge variety of diets out in the market place and it can be a minefield trying to identify the right one for you. Try to keep it simple. Fresh is best organic is better. Reduce your reliance on packet foods and eat fresh food whenever possible. Avoid bulking agents like bread, pasta and rice and make the majority of your diet lean protein, fresh fruit and vegetables. And as in step 1 being organised prevents you from falling into temptation.
6. Sleep Hygiene – With a much larger reliance on technology today giving your nervous system a break from technology is vital. Try going technology free from 7pm to allow your body to gradually relax. That means no TV, computer, phone or video games. We recommend reading with some light jazz, classical or relaxation music in the background to soothe your body toward sleep. Making sure you get a minimum of 8 hours is also important. Even if you can survive on less it doesn’t mean it is good for you in the long run.
7. Health care plan – Just like a car needs servicing your body needs regular support. Find yourself a good team of health professionals to help you ensure your body is in tip top shape. We recommend some kind of treatment once a week by visiting a wide range of practitioners including a few of these: massage therapist, herbal medicine practitioner, acupuncturist, kinesiologist, homeopath, osteopath, counsellor, reiki practitioner, bowen therapist etc. Finding the right combination is different for each person. A good support group of practitioners will not just provide treatments but also support and encouragement toward healthier lifestyle habits.
8. Time off – All work and no play….well you know how it goes. Taking time out to rejuvenate is an important part of any stress management program. If you are working all the time this is not a balanced life and at some point the wheels will come off. Having time off helps you to get a perspective on things and realise that things that seem so important right now probably aren’t in the long run. Sometimes walking away from difficult situations and taking a breath can help you come up with better long term solutions.
9. Be social – Take time out to spend with your loved ones. It enhances every aspect of your life and helps you realise what the important things really are.
10. Avoidance is futile – Avoiding problems doesn’t make them go away. We all have things occur in our lives we don’t want to face but by dealing with them in an appropriate time frame it means you can move on with your life and stop worrying. If you need support talking to a friend or professional counsellor can help clarify the issues and the right solution.

Stress is a natural part of life and something we all have to cope with in different degrees. Learning how to apply effective stress management techniques will help you be able to live a healthier and happier life. For more detailed information about how you can help your self contact your local practitioner in one of the modalities mentioned in this article to get professional guidance and support.