the word stress
It is not an uncommon phrase to hear, so how do we know when we are stressed and what can we do to ease it ?
Like many things it is quite often not feeling ‘right’ that alerts us to something being wrong.
Physical symptoms such as headaches, upset tummies, not being able to sleep, noticing stiffness, and tension especially in our neck and shoulders, could be worrying signs that we are stressed.
Sometimes it is easier to bring the cause of the stress to an end than others. For example, it could be that you have a lot of project deadlines together, or an event you need to organise or attend, this means there is likely to be an end in sight.
But, when it is not time limited the stress can continue to build and become less manageable. This is not ideal to try to sustain.
So what can you do to help yourself ?
I will start with 5 tips:-
Step away
Even if it is for a short amount of time stopping and allowing space is helpful to see what can be stopped, reduced, or given to someone else.
Self-care
Think about ways in which you can prioritise yourself, it is important to give yourself a break.
Lose the “musts”, “ought to” and “should”
It maybe helpful to start noticing when you are thinking about what you are doing, is it because you want to or is it attached to a must/ ought to, or should ?
Are you taking on too much ?
If you find you are saying “yes” when you want to say “no”, then it is likely you are doing something to please someone other than you. It is helpful to think about what you want to take on and how you might be able to say “no” to things you don’t.
Be kind to yourself
Everyone has bad days/ weeks it is important to learn from it and move forward. If it helps think about being your own best friend, show yourself support and appreciate you.
Written by Sarah Goodman, Humanistic Counsellor, April 2022