Stress relief - what will work for you?

Stress relief - what will work for you?

Can't stop worrying? Everyone has an in-built stress mechanism - known as fight or flight - and while this is only meant to be activated when there is imminent danger, for some people it remains on heightened alert. This means you can be leftfeeling anxious much ofthe time, which in turn can have a real affect on your health.

Stress can be beneficial in small doses, helping you perform better under pressure, but too much can take away the enjoyment of life - and the symptoms can be highly unpleasant.These can be physical - such asheadaches, problems sleeping and elevated blood pressure - or emotional, meaning you can suffer from depression or panic attacks. Meanwhile, stress has also been linked to more serious conditions, such as heart disease[1].

If you are in a highly pressurised job, you may find yourself thinking about tasks that need tobedone when you should be relaxing instead. A holiday may be spoilt because you simply can't switch off, andyou may also find you are more irritable than you used to be.

So, is it possible to kick the worry habit? Certainly there arealwaysmethods allowing youto cope better,and if you have noticed that worryhas become a problem, then it could betime to take action. Physical symptoms should always be checked out by your GP - but if an obviousdiagnosis is anxiety, then you may be ableto make somesimple but profoundchanges to your life.

Can you confront your fears head on? If possible, take action to eliminate any worriesby changing the situation[2]. Ask yourself what is the worst that could happen- try to recognise when youareanxious for no real reason, and be strict inallowingyourself shorter and shorter periods to worry[3].

If you are worrying about money, for example, could you seek debt counselling? Are there ways you can simplify your life? For example, can you increase yourpeace of mindby learning to say 'no', avoiding certain topics, or - depending on your character - either being more assertive, or more willing to compromise?

Another way that could help you feel more secure, and therefore perhaps alleviate some stress, could be to make sure your finances are in order. Making sure you have protection measures in place like life insurance, along with cover for your home, could also bea good idea.

Some people also find that yoga or learning meditation techniques- even just practising deep breathing -can be beneficial,as can accepting there are events you cannot control. Try and find more time to enjoy yourself,  whether it's taking up a new hobby, or just allowing yourself time away from everyday stresses.

Making an active decision to tackle stress could also includetakingbetter care of yourself. Could you introduce some regular exercise into your life? Is it time to look at your diet and perhaps replace some processed foods with fresh and healthier ones? It is also easy to become hooked on drinking coffee and caffeine drinks throughout the day,so substituting some of this for watercould be a good idea.

In more severe cases, some people also find it helpful to talk to a counsellor or a mental health professional who can help them find effective ways of managing anxiety - there are different therapies available and if you make other lifestyle changes, one could be right for you.