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A recent
report by the Health and Saftey Executive revealed that one in five
people suffer from some sort of stress, ranging from work related
pressures to family problems.
BBC
Gloucestershire organised Stressbusters day, in February 2003, an
event with information, advice, free demonstrations and taster sessions,
covering a huge range of natural therapies from hopi ear candles
to aqua massage, and reflexology to yoga.
If
you didn't make it along on the day, here's our advice on coping
with stress.
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Are
you suffering from stress?
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There
are many tell tale signs, some of which are detailed below:
Physical
signs
- pain
and tightness in the chest
-
indigestion
-
breathlessness
-
nausea,
-
muscle twitches
-
tiredness
-
vague aches or pains
-
skin irritation or rashes
-
susceptibility to allergies
- clenched
fists or jaw fainting or panic attacks
- rapid
weight gain or loss recurrence of previous illnesses
-
palpitations - throbbing heart
-
frequent colds, ‘flu or other infections
-
alteration of the menstrual pattern in women.
Emotional
signs
- increased worrying
- lack of concentration
- feeling tense
- irritability
- cynical
- drained
- no enthusiasm
- feelings of helplessness
- withdrawal into daydreams
- lack of self-esteem
- loss of confidence
- mood swings
- feeling nervous
- apprehensive
- anxious
Behavioural signs
- poor work
- becoming accident prone
- increased alcohol consumption
- increased smoking
- overeating or loss of appetite
- increased dependence on drugs
- loss of interest in sex
- too busy to relax
- impaired speech
- poor time management
- taking work home more often
- not looking after oneself
- withdrawal from supportive relationships
- change in sleep pattern
- difficulty in getting to sleep and waking tired.
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How
can you reduce stress?
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If you’re
suffering from even mild stress, try the following:
- Find someone who will listen. Talk to them or seek professional
help
- Avoid increased consumption of nicotine, alcohol, coffee or
tranquillisers
- Use physical activity to work off stress
- Don’t put off relaxing
- Learn stress reduction techniques and use them daily
- When you’re feeling ill, don’t pretend that you’re not
- Recharge your batteries with adequate rest and sleep
- Stop when you’re tired and do something about it
- Don’t be too argumentative
- Life shouldn’t be a constant battleground
- Recognise and acknowledge what you cannot change
- Manage your time better. Prioritise and delegate
- Prevent excess pressure tomorrow by saying “no” today
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