Feel more relaxed with our guide
Stress is a widespread problem. In 2009/10 an estimated 9.8 million working days were lost through stress in the UK.
Although we all need a little stress to keep us functioning, it becomes a problem when it’s too frequent or lasts too long. Stress places immense pressure on our bodies – immune, adrenal and nervous systems are all affected. People under stress often pick up colds, coughs and stomach bugs, take longer to recover and become more susceptible to infections. They may suffer from headaches, back and neck pain, digestion and skin problems or not even realise their health problems are caused by stress.
It can also have a long-term effect on your health, being among the causes of heart disease. Other conditions such as panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia, irregular periods, infertility, IBS, migraines, headaches, depression, eczema and psoriasis can all be caused by or worsened by stress. Here are our tips on how to beat it.
Stress-busting tips
- Get a pet. Pet owners are generally more relaxed.
- Replace tea and coffee with valerian, nettle or camomile tea. Camomile is good for relieving anxiety and insomnia.
- Put on a funny DVD – laughter really is a great medicine.
- Go to bed early; lack of sleep exacerbates stress.
- Learn to say no. Don’t take on too many commitments and stop feeling guilty.
- Take exercise. It’s relaxing and makes you feel good.
- Take a deep breath every 20 minutes. This helps slow the release of stress hormones.
- Learn to meditate.
- A regular massage with essential oils helps you wind down.
- Go for a walk every day.
- Take up a fun hobby.
- Write worries down. It’s important to find the cause of stress.
- Try some herbs – basil relieves insomnia, mental and physical fatigue and depression, while sage relieves mood swings and depression.