National Stress Awareness Day - Top Tips to Combat Stress
Put very simply, stress is the body's reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response.
More recent research describes the stimulus which provokes a stress response as a stressor or trigger. A popular method of combating stress is to recognise these triggers and learn to approach and deal with them in a more beneficial way.
10 Tips for Stress Busting...
- Prioritise your day and do the important jobs first. Listing priorities can be an effective way of successfully minimising and managing stress. Routine is good!
- Avoid alcohol and nicotine as coping mechanisms - this can lead to dependency and/or serious health problems.
- Treat yourself to a massage - it’s an effective way of stress reduction and management. Studies have shown massage can cut the stress hormone in half.
- Say no to excessive caffeine as this can increase stress levels and cause a decline in concentration levels. Try alternating between herbal teas and water (at least eight glasses a day).
- Fragrant Essential Oils such as orange, Patchouli and geranium are traditionally used to reduce stress with Lavender being the essential! Research shows once the aroma is inhaled, brain waves are slowed down, resulting in a calming effect.
- Consider a detox diet to restore mental health and balance in the body. Eating the right food can help keep stress in control. Stress busting foods include: Oats, dried and fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and pulses. For more information on calming foods and how to cook them iVillage has recently published 30 Foods for a More Calming Life
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week. Nothing beats aerobic exercise for releasing pent-up stress and tension.
- Take a bubble bath - a great way to have some 'you' time away from the rest of the world. A chance to order your thoughts, escape into a good book and relax.
- Get enough sleep! Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.
- Do something every day you enjoy! Sounds simple, but many people do not - whether it is listening to music, walking, gardening or playing with a pet, set some time aside for this as it will dramatically reduce stress levels.
De-Stress With Cleo
So whether you want to de-stress with essential oils, curl up for a better night's sleep or just simply have some YOU time to unwind - Cleo will have something to offer!
For more information about this year's National Stress Awareness Day, find a local stress management consultant or to discover ways to support - visit the International Stress Management website