Wednesday, 3rd April 2024
Stress is a natural human instinct; our body’s reaction to the threat of danger, whether that be real or perceived. And therefore, unfortunately, it is completely normal! We have all experienced varying levels of stress, with no individual being provoked by or dealing with stress in quite the same way. But if you’re somebody who can become easily stressed whether that be at work, financially, or whatever your trigger may be, there are ways to spot the early signs and keep your stress from taking over.
Often your body will feel stress before it even reaches your mind. You might notice feelings of…
These symptoms are the effect of our body getting ready for ‘Fight or Flight’ during a stressful situation. However, many of the modern-day stresses that we all feel are rarely life-threatening and can be dealt with better without the stress responses that our bodies produce. For example, if you’re stressed about a work deadline coming up, you may experience headaches, insomnia etc. However, the situation may not require the ‘fight or flight’ reaction your body is going through. Instead, being able to identify the stress responses, rationalise them, and limit your physical symptoms, will be much more beneficial to completing the task and will ultimately reduce your stress.
Exercise has multiple physical and mental health benefits, but even the simple act of socialising with others while doing so, can hugely relieve your stress symptoms. Whether it be the gym, a swim, fitness class, dog walks, all movement is powerful in reducing current stress, but also to help your body and mind be in the best shape to keep future stress at bay.
Activities such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, relaxing at a Spa Day can completely slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure, which goes hand in hand with reducing stress.
Eating a balanced diet and limiting caffeine intake will ensure your body is in the best shape to be resilient to stressors. Foods high in magnesium and B vitamins are essential for regulating stress and mood. Try to make small changes to your usual diet now, which may help you to deal with future stress in a healthier way.
With all the benefits that digital devices have brought to our lives, they can be a huge detriment to our mental health. Spending more time in front of a screen will also negatively impact sleep; another factor leading to stress. Try setting yourself a time goal to put away your phone at night. Or you can even set up notifications to alert you once you’ve had too much screen time in a day.
A supportive network of people can be the best medicine for any issue, but stress is especially reduced by leaning on those who calm and comfort you. It can sometimes be difficult to vocalise your stress to others, but you never know who YOU might help by being the first to speak.
Here at Pendle Leisure Trust, we’re huge advocates for reducing stress and increasing wellness through exercise and leisure. If we can help you with even one of these tips and help to reduce your stress, it’ll be a result. Sign up for one of our 7-day free fitness passes in April in acknowledgement of #StressAwarenessMonth to trial all of our facilities across Pendle for FREE! We can’t wait to have you on board.