For most of us stress is part and parcel of our everyday lives . It is something that was once not really talked about and we were just expected to get on and live with it . Thankfully those days are behind us and the world celebrated International Stress Awareness Week at the beginning of November . This major annual event shines the spotlight on stress management and addresses the stigma still associated with stress and mental health . Many important issues were discussed this year , including how employers are
dealing with stress in the workplace and the important role played by stress management professionals . Naturally the coronavirus pandemic was a talking point , as many people around the world came to terms with the new challenges posed by remote working and new social norms . Stress can affect people of all ages , incomes and social status and can be triggered by a large number of factors such as family problems , financial worries or a painful life event . You can identify the signs of stress with symptoms
such as being constantly worried , feeling overwhelmed and having trouble concentrating . Public Health England ’ s ‘ Every Mind Matters ’ website gives great advice in identifying and dealing with stress and is well worth visiting if you want to learn more .
Below are three simple steps you can take to help deal with stress in your life , but always remember to talk to your GP if your stress levels get too much for you .
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Diet Exercise Sleep
Eating good foods benefit more than just your waistline . Maintaining a healthy diet has been shown to help with stress relief , building your immune system and lowering blood pressure .
Try to consume complex carbohydrates , lean proteins and fatty acids , along with antioxidants to protect your cells against the damage that chronic stress can cause .
Physical activity can play a very important part in helping lower stress levels .
During exercise , your body releases a variety of hormones like endocannabinoids and endorphins that help block pain and lift your mood .
Endocannabinoids are responsible for the majority of euphoric feelings and are often recognised as the “ runners high ” that many athletes experience after long runs .
Getting a full night ’ s sleep is another great way to help combat stress , yet many people have high stress levels because they struggle to get to sleep or stay asleep .
Setting a sleep schedule , getting out for a walk , trying meditation practices and switching off electronic devices 30 minutes before bed can all contribute to a better sleeping experience .
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