Stress!
Being under pressure can be a normal part of life.
But becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to health problems or make existing problems worse.
To maintain our wellbeing, we need to be able to recognise what’s making us stressed to help us learn how to deal with it.
Stress is a major factor in illnesses where physical symptoms are prompted by mental or emotional problems.
Although, stress is not actually an illness in itself but rather a response by the body to anything that puts strain upon it. Many illnesses can be triggered or exacerbated by stress.
Most of us think of tense situations and worries as being the major cause of stress.
In reality, stresses can be far more profound and as well as the physical stress of illness it is most often our behaviour that sows the seeds of stress.
Skipping meals / Dieting
Eating processed, junk foods
Not exercising or exercising too much
Avoiding or neglecting relaxation and other ways to calm the central nervous system
Not getting enough sleep
Blowing past your own fatigue to finish the day’s work
Breathing shallowly when tense, instead of breathing deeply
Worrying
Mentally replaying stressful and inner dialogues
Neglecting fun and relaxing activities that allows you to clear your mind
Using sugar, caffeine, nicotine, drugs or herbal stimulants to function at a higher rate when already tired
Putting yourself last!!
All of these factors have an effect on our body, causing it to make a series of rapid physiological changes, called ‘adaptive responses’, in order to deal with threatening or demanding situations.
“When a bridge is carrying too much weight it will eventually collapse. It is possible to see the warning signs before this happens – the bridge will bow, buckle and creak.
The same principle can be applied to human beings, with excessive demands and challenges placed on our bridges. There may be early warning signs, however stress can creep up on some of us, resulting in an unexpected breakdown.”
- Stress Management Society (www.stress.org.uk)
We are familiar with the adrenal glands ‘fight or flight’ response, however if the stressful factors are long term and adrenal reserves are depleted the following states of illness may be seen –
Anxiety
Depression
Arthritis
Eating disorders
Fatigue
Headaches, Migraines
Insomnia
Irrational Fears
Gastrointestinal dysfunction
Irregular Menstrual cycles
Infertility
Low Sex Drive
Mood disorders
Muscle spasms
Inability to make healthy cognitive choices
Palpitations
Water retention
Weight gain or Weight loss
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) (– excessive jaw clenching)
Stress Busters!
Reflexology – or another Complementary therapy (i.e. Massage Therapy) can be beneficial to wellbeing and can fit into a busy lifestyle to provide a welcome break – something to look forward to!
Deep relaxation helping to reduce stress and tension.
Helps improve circulation.
Improved Sleep.
Improved sense of wellbeing.
Regular Exercise – choose an activity you enjoy …team sports, running, walking, swimming, yoga …
Ensure Healthy Eating – In times of stress we can often reach out for unhealthy foods.
Creative Activities – sewing, knitting, painting/drawing, crafts …
Get Plenty of Sleep – get into a good routine of regular bedtimes & morning wake-up times.
Social time – increase contact time with family & friends to prevent feeling isolated.
Breathe! – Meditation or spending some time focusing on your breathing can help calm the mind.
Useful Links –
www.mind.org.uk (Mind, For better Mental Health)
www.stress.org.uk (Stress Management Society – from distress to de-stress)
www.aor.org.uk (Association of Reflexologists)
About Ali
Ali Iles is a Reflexology & Massage Therapist based in Downend, Bristol, UK.
Offering Complementary Therapies to help bring relief from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions plus providing you with time for relaxation - relieving tension and helping to improve your sense of wellbeing and health.
A full member of
‘The Association of Reflexologists’ (AoR) and
‘Federation of Holistic Therapists’ (FHT) after qualifying in 2005 with the AoR accredited Reflexology Diploma.
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