Let’s Talk About Stress, Baby.

I want to talk about feeling stressed. Why? Because stress is the leading cause of physical illness, with over 24 working days lost per person each year in the UK due to high stress and poor mental health (according to Mental Health Foundation).

Which means the chances you have stress, or a family member or friend has is high, so a reminder or a check in with tips of how to deal with it could always be useful.

The easiest way to deal with stress - is not to get stressed. Which is impossible. So let’s dive in!

1) Stress is inevitable.
Stress is sometimes good - it’s through some stressful experiences we have good exciting ones - meeting new challenges, productivity and joy can be found during experiencing stress hormones. Some stress can be healthy, and good for you. It’s when it tips over to the BAD stress that we need to act.

2) Be active.
I know, it always gets said, but moving your body in fun ways that make you smile simply works! The stress won’t go away, but your body and mind will be in an easier state to deal with the stress.

3) Connect with yourself.
Do some things that light a fire in your heart. Sit in silence for a while, then do what your instincts tell you to do. You’ll thank yourself (and me) for it.

4) Connect with others.
I recently attended a face to face event - not a Zoom link in sight! And it was amazing. And I was reminded that seeing people and connecting to them face to face was so lovely. It triggered some really good things, and made me happy (if not a little tired).

5) Identify the stress.
Usually one main stress is the focal point, and we attach every other stress to that. When we deal with the main stress, the rest feels easier. Once you take time away, doing things you love, moving your body, connecting with yourself and others - you can see the main stress easier. And deal with it.

Of course, when stress takes over more than you can handle, then seek professional support - you don’t have to do it alone, ever.

Take care,

L xx