What is Stress?

Stress Awareness Day – 2nd November 22

Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional, or psychological strain. Stress is your body's response to anything that requires attention or action. Everyone experiences stress to some degree.

There is good stress…….

Good stress, or eustress, is the type of stress you feel when you're excited. Your pulse quickens and your hormones surge, but there is no threat or fear. You might feel this type of stress when you ride a roller coaster or starting a new job.

Bad stress is when it starts to affect your day-to-day life.

We all have a stress container, life, work, people, the environment etc, etc all add stress to our container. We develop ways to cope with stress and the positive copying mechanisms open the tap so that we don’t overflow. Poor copying mechanisms don’t open the tap and problems can develop.

The affects stress can have on you - Your Body….

• Increased heart rate

• Rising blood pressure

• Muscle tension

• Headaches

• Upset tummy

• Lack of sexual desire

Chronic stress can lead to health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, heart attack, and strokes.

Your mental health & behaviour

• Restlessness

• Lack of motivation

• Irritability

• Sadness

• Anger and outbursts

• Anxiety & Depression

• Poor concentration

• Overeating or under eating

• Substance use or abuse

• Social withdrawal and Isolation

Top tips to reduce STRESS……

1. Learn to say NO

2. Get active

3. Get enough sleep

4. Spend time with friends and family

5. Less screen time and social media

6. Have a healthy diet

7. Get outdoors with nature

8. Practice mindfulness

9. Reduce caffeine

10. Set boundaries