WHAT IS STRESS?
The stress response of the body is somewhat like an airplane readying for take-off. Virtually all systems (eg, the heart and blood vessels, the immune system, the lungs, the digestive system, the sensory organs, and brain) are modified to meet the perceived danger. Short term or Acute Stress is the reaction to an immediate threat, commonly known as the fight or flight response. The threat can be any situation that is experienced, even subconsciously or falsely, as a danger.
Under most circumstances, once the acute threat has passed, the response becomes inactivated and levels of stress hormones return to normal, a condition called the relaxation response however, modern life poses on-going stressful situations that are not short-lived and the urge to act (to fight or to flee) must be suppressed. Stress, then, becomes chronic or long term.
Stress results from any event or situation that places physical or psychological demands upon you. When stress occurs, complex physiological reactions occur that prepares the body to either fight, flight or freeze. These prehistoric responses of fighting, running or just playing dead are practical solutions to physical danger and threats to life. They are not, however, the most suitable response to the pressure of deadlines, presentations, arguments, relationship difficulties or other events of modern life.
The physical effects can be – Trouble with sleeping, loss of appetite, digestive problems, headaches, nausea, neck and backache, muscular tension and lethargy.
The behavioural effects often show up as – Absenteeism, increased dependence on drugs, tranquillisers and alcohol, lack of motivation and commitment, more aggressive than normal and more prone to accidents.
The emotional effects can show up as- Panic attacks, short span of attention, irritability, bouts of depression, mood swings, no motivation, lack of confidence and self esteem at a low ebb.
There are many things that can help us to deal with this pressure, and that is to learn from the experience, to overcome the challenges and pressure of life and adapt to change. Psychological problems are best solved with psychological responses, and one way to do this swiftly is with hypnosis.
“It is not stress that kills us, It is our reaction to it” Hans Seyle
Remember to take time and breathe. Live in the now. worrying about future things that may not happen or guilt about things past that you cannot affect will NOT help you become a better person.
Be ok with who you are.
Below are some simple and practical tools and ideas that may help you.
De-Stress by following the ‘PATH’
Dr. Deborah Kerslake
P – Perspective. When you put things in perspective and you challenge the thought processes behind your behaviour then you gain a broader understanding on the problem which may be causing you stress. Step back and prioritise what’s important. Take a look at the bigger picture. (no one died). Decide which battles to engage in and which to let go, because ultimately they’re not that important.
Remember that your thoughts are just that, thoughts, they are not necessarily true or real and it’s important to challenge thoughts that make you feel unhappy, dis-satisfied or a failure as these thoughts do not help you grow and enjoy your life.
You have everything within you to make your life happy, healthy and successful.
A – Attitude. Attitude is a choice. When you choose to have a positive mental attitude and pick out anything that does work for you (instead of dwelling on what isn’t working), you experience less stress and anxiety. A positive mental attitude has been proven to reduce the feelings of stress. Remind yourself that you don’t have to be the best at everything that you do. It’s ok to be good enough at many things. Try not to personalise comments that other people say because people are generally focused on themselves and not on you. Do not take other people’s negative emotions on board, allow them to own their own emotions and decide to yourself that you are ok. Try not to become an emotional sponge letting everyone around you dictate your emotional state. Choose to be happy. Choose every day.
T – Time. Allowing yourself time to breathe and stop and relax every day is incredibly important to feeling calm and in control of your life. Give yourself time to mentally step back and pause. Live in the moment. Everything ebbs and flows the stress you are feeling will release and reduce given time. Lack of time is what causes lots of people to become stressed. Time can be a big pressure, be aware of setting yourself unrealistic time limits because you feel you should or because you want to please people. Everyone has the same amount of time as you do, it’s how you choose to use and prioritise your time that’s important. Make sure you allow more time if you know the thing you need to do is important to you. Make sure that you allow time for yourself to do the things that YOU wish to do.
H- Heart. Be kind to yourself. Whatever your mind is thinking about, affects your emotional state and your behaviour as well as your physical body. Some physical signs of stress are not sleeping well or waking constantly, headaches, bowel problems, eczema, tight muscles, feeling of failure, feeling anxious about things, feeling down, inability to make decisions or to cope with pressure, not feeling good enough among many other things. Always check with your GP but once you’ve eliminated any medical problem, then your physical condition could be down to or exacerbated by overwhelming stress. Take the time to imagine kindness and love in your body. Remember people who you love or who love you and those loving feelings will help heal and calm your body and mind. Remember that your life is in your hands and under your control.
I hope these simple ideas help, if you need more help I’d love to assist if I can. I have over 25 years of experience, am fully qualified and insured. My clinic is in Slinfold, Horsham in West Sussex. Contact me debs@yes2wellness.com
