Dealing With Stress

Not all stress is bad. Scientists now believe that a moderate amount of stress helps you prepare for the challenges you’ll encounter during the day. Stress is rapidly becoming a nationwide epidemic across the UK , costing the NHS and businesses millions of pounds each year in the process. But, there are a number of simple steps that can be taken to help you cope with stress.

The secret of managing stress is to look after yourself and, where possible, identify and remove some of the causes of stress. Make sure you give yourself some breathing space if you find things are starting to get on top of you.

This can be done through a number of ways such as taking time off work, reducing domestic chores, spending time away from family ( or with them depending on what makes you feel more relaxed) and everything else that puts pressure on you. It can make all the difference, reducing the threat to your wellbeing.

Some ways to cope with stress include:

• Perform one task at a time.
• Accept offers of practical help.
• Know your body’s limits - don't be too competitive or over-work your body.
• Practice relaxation techniques.
• If possible, spend time with people who are rewarding rather than critical and judgmental.
• Walk away from stressful situations.
  
  

Women are known for being better at asking for help and advice when feeling stressful.

Women are happy to talk over their feelings with friends or partners, and are more likely to see their GP when they feel anxious or stressed, rather than waiting for a physical problem to develop into something more serious.

According to stress experts, women are more likely to accept being told by their doctor that they are not handling their stress, better than most. One of the most important things for any person suffering too much stress is getting them to identify and accept that it is causing them problems.

Men coping with stress

Men react under stress very differently to women. For example, they are less likely to talk about their feelings and emotions and less likely to seek help from a doctor or anyone else for that matter.

The majority of men in Britain only visit their GP when medical symptoms of stress occur, such as headaches, chest pains, and upset stomach, but there are some who will still neglect professional advice and attention.

It is a common fact that men have difficulties admitting stress, even to themselves, with many believing it starts from a young age as boys are generally conditioned not to reveal their emotions.

Instead of trying to resolve their stress, they are more likely than women to try to escape it by resolving to binge drinking, smoking, driving aggressively or even through violent behaviour.

Although the latest research suggests men are equally likely to suffer from depression as women, they are less likely to be diagnosed by a doctor. More worryingly is the fact that over the last two decades, men have increasingly turned to suicide, with men making up 75% of all suicides committed in the UK .

Eliminating stress completely from your life is impossible. However, implementing some stress management techniques can restrain some of its' harmful effects. Stress management includes following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and making time for relaxation without any interruptions.

Other common sense solutions that can prove helpful in reducing stress levels include:

• Getting a good night's sleep.
• Engage in at least one pleasurable activity every day.
• Quit smoking.
• Use alcohol in moderation.
• Use caffeine in moderation.
• Set realistic goals for yourself, your job and your family.
• Develop a good support system.
  
  

Negative responses to stress can also be reduced by taking regularly scheduled breaks to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body. Try to refresh your body and mind through one or more of the following:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Getting back or foot massages
• Keeping a journal or writing poetry
• Hugging
• Dancing
• Listening to music
• Painting
• Bicycling
• Walking
• Laughing