HEALTH + WELLNESS
BENENDEN HOSPITAL :
Helping you to Check In With Your Wellbeing This National Stress Awareness Month
APRIL IS NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS MONTH , HELD SINCE 1992 TO INCREASE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF STRESS , BREAK THE STIGMA AROUND IT AND GET PEOPLE TALKING TO FRIENDS , FAMILY AND COLLEAGUES ABOUT HOW IT AFFECTS THEM .
The last three years have brought stress into stark focus as a public health challenge , emphasising the need to ensure that we ' re looking after ourselves and being compassionate to others . A 2021 survey commissioned by CIPHR found that 79 % of UK adults feel stressed at least one day a month , with nearly half ( 49 %) of UK adults admitting to feeling stressed five or more days each month .
All of us experience stress as an unavoidable aspect of our everyday lives , but sometimes it can play a helpful role . When stressed , our adrenal glands release cortisol , a hormone produced when your sympathetic nervous system goes into ‘ fight or flight ’ mode . This short-term release of cortisol can function as a motivator , making us more alert and able to react quickly to situations , as well as regulating our blood pressure , blood sugar and metabolism .
However , when you experience a prolonged release of this hormone , it can have a negative effect , decreasing our feel-good hormones and making us irritable , anxious and depressed . Common signs and symptoms of high cortisol levels can include weight gain , disrupted sleep , lack of energy , high blood pressure and a general brain fog or difficulty focusing .
If you suspect you may have high levels of the stress hormone , Benenden Hospital , based near Cranbrook , offers fast access to 25-minute face-toface private GP appointments where you can request a cortisol test . Depending on the results , you may be referred for treatment or lifestyle changes .
You may also consider a nutritional therapy consultation , and Benenden Hospital ’ s expert Nutritional Therapy team can help you achieve the lifestyle and dietary changes needed to reduce your levels of cortisol naturally . With a personalised approach informed by the latest nutrition science , Benenden ’ s BANT-registered nutritional therapist can make recommendations based on your unique needs to help you feel better both physically and mentally . This will likely include a nutrient-dense diet full of whole fruits and vegetables , whole grains , healthy fats , and foods high in prebiotics and probiotics . And the good news is that dark chocolate can reduce stress !
Other lifestyle changes can also play an important part in getting you off the hormonal roller coaster . Getting better sleep , practising mindfulness and deep breathing , low-impact exercise and making time for fostering happy relationships with family and friends can all play a key role in reducing stress .
If you are affected by stress or suspect you may suffer from high cortisol levels , it ’ s important not to ignore it . Take action today and book an appointment with a GP to get your wellbeing back on track .
To find out more about Benenden Hospital ’ s private GP service or their nutritional therapy , visit www . benendenhospital . org . uk or call their private patient team on 01580 363 156 .
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