Stress and anxiety are hugely prevalent today, especially with the impact of the recent Coronavirus pandemic and the detrimental affect it has shown on our mental health and wellbeing. Many people are approaching clinics, like Gaynor Grozier Acupuncture, to help with lessening the effects.
There is a very thin line between feeling motivated and overloaded. Between feeling happy and feeling emotional. Stress and Anxiety are more common in recent times and is becoming a normal part of being ‘human’.
“I can’t sleep!” “I’m far too busy!” “I just need to do this!” “I can’t relax!” “I’m at my desk from dawn to dusk and not getting anywhere fast”… are all too common in today’s ‘busy’ world.
We apply so much pressure to ourselves in our daily lives, it’s physically draining and mentally straining.
If all these sayings and feelings are present in your daily life, then we want to hear from you! Here at Gaynor Grozier Acupuncture we care about your mental health and wellbeing and look forward to helping you reduce the effects of stress and anxiety with our acupuncture and supportive therapies to help you reduce the effects, build balance, and find harmony.
What are the signs?
Stress in small doses can often help us feel motivated to get things done. However, stress is often progressive and can be a constant companion. Not addressed, stress can become a root cause to more serious health conditions, manifesting in physical symptoms of the body.
Symptoms are different for everyone, but may include:
- Tension headaches
- Upset stomach
- Feeling run down
- Poor sleep or Insomnia can cause stress
- Racing thoughts
- Increased heart rate
- Chest pain
- Forgetfulness and disorganisation
When stress is continuous your risk increases of continual health problems along with the onset of anxiety and depression as well as more severe health conditions such as heart attack and heart disease.
What can you do to help alleviate stress?
1: Improve your Work-life balance
Research has shown that more than 500,000 workers in the UK suffered from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in the past year. The main cause for this were down to workload, lack of support and organisational change.
We spend most of our time at work, repeatedly staying late or arriving early to meet deadlines and achieve targets – always in the attempt to get ahead of what can feel like a continuous uphill struggle.
- Learn the most powerful word, no when your workload becomes unmanageable. Often people are fearful of saying no or asking for help through fear of failure or risking their job. What if we were to say that “NO” means respect. Respect for yourself and the workplace. Saying no is so empowering not only to you but also to your fellow team members. You will find that less stress improves performance, aiding you to achieve a healthier work-life balance.
- Plan your day effectively and take advantage of tools and training at work that can help you with this. Just because colleagues come in early and leave late, doesn’t mean you have to. Whether you are an employee or self-employed, maintaining good work-life balance will increase your performance. Focus on the important jobs that move the needle. This means from time to time we need to stop what we’re doing, get off the treadmill, reassess our workload or current situation and re-prioritise.
- Move on – If you’ve lost that ‘love where you work’ feeling, it may be time to reflect on your life plan. Remaining in a position ‘because it’s a job’ will bring stress and resentment. Find something that makes you want to get up in the morning and unleash the tiger within! Don’t be afraid to take a new path.
2: Financial worries
Financial worries can affect your relationships and social life. Many people find themselves in situations they feel are beyond their control. Worrying about finances can bring one of the biggest pressures we feel. Looking at where the next meal is coming from or how the next bill will be paid is often the biggest weight on our minds.
You may benefit from some professional advice – contact your local Citizens Advice or visit the Which website for access to a pool of services to put you back on top. Talking through your financial worries and possible solutions available to you is the best step forward. It will bring clarity and a plan.
3: Diet
You are what you eat, poor food choices can lead to you feeling unwell, putting the body in a state of stress, whether you are yet symptomatic or not.
Clean up your diet and the feel-good factor will come.
As a race, we are now eating more processed food and whilst on route to your plate additional salt, fat and sugar are added to extend shelf life and are chronically affecting our health. Not only do additional additives and growth hormones change the flavour of food, but they also put a strain on our gastrointestinal tract meaning it’s a struggle to metabolise food, causing bloating, allergies, hormonal imbalances and more…
So, what’s the alternative?
- Consider a paleo diet
- Read labels
- Eat regularly and avoid skipping meals
4: Poor sleep
Do you lie in bed with thoughts and fears racing through your mind? We’ve all been there… If this happens on the odd instance, you’re likely to feel tired and petulant but this can affect your health if it happens continually. Good quality sleep at night is key to your performance during the day and will help to restore emotional and physical well-being.
- Limit your caffeine intake
- Create a relaxing environment
- Be consistent with your bedtime
Quick tip:
Aloe Vera plants omit oxygen overnight which can help with breathing and promote a harmonious sleep.
5: Technology
Technology is having an influence in everything we do which can be brilliant but can also add to stress. Ofcom research in 2017 found that 94% of adults in the UK own a mobile phone.
It’s easy to become addicted to hand held devices so it’s important to:
- Block out ‘off-screen’ time
- Find alternative things to do, such as yoga.
- Try going for walks or joining a local community group.
- Reduce your blue light exposure & leave technology out of the bedroom.
Are you looking for help?
If you are considering acupuncture to support you with stress, depression, or anxiety – do get in touch for a confidential consultation.
Acupuncture proactively reduces stress, by:
- Providing relaxation time
- Bringing hormonal balance
- Promoting health and well-being
- Increasing energy
You may also like to visit www.mind.org.uk for additional resources.
