Stress Awareness Month
3rd April 2019
3rd April 2019
April is Stress Awareness Month and, since 1992, health care professionals and health promotion experts across the UK have joined forces every April to increase the public’s awareness of the causes and cures for stress.
Stress is inevitable and we all suffer from the condition from time to time; either in the workplace or at home. However, enduring long periods of stress, can have detrimental effects on our mental and physical wellbeing.
Extended periods of stress have been linked to a range of different health issues including mood, sleep and appetite problems. It has also been associated with serious physical problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.
There are various ways you can limit your exposure to stress. These include:
Try to avoid or limit your consumption of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. These are all stimulants and so can increase stress levels. Instead, opt for water, herbal teas and natural fruit juices. By staying hydrated, your body is more able to cope with stressful situations.
By minimising refined sugars, you can also help to stay calmer. Refined sugars tend to be found in manufactured foods and can cause your energy levels to crash – increasing feelings of irritability and tiredness. By eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, you can prevent this from happening.
During stressful situations, hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol increase in our bodies. Exercise can metabolise these and put the body back into a more relaxed state. By walking around, preferably in a picturesque spot like The Pantiles, you can give your mind a break and enjoy fresh air and a change of environment.
Regular physical activity can also improve your ability to sleep well at night.
Obviously, we want you to be kept up-to-date with the latest information, news, events and offers from The Pantiles, but constantly staring at phones, computers and screens can add to stress levels. Try to switch off from these devices for at least a couple of hours each day. It’s also advised to stop looking at screens an hour before bedtime.
You don’t need to be an expert artist or crafter to seek relief through creative pursuits! By knitting, sewing, painting, sculpting or drawing, you can distract your mind from stress and find alternative calming focus. Activities like crafting require repetitive fine motor skills that also help to calm stress and anxiety.
A great way to diffuse stress is via laughter. Laughter releases endorphins – the body’s natural feel good chemicals, and this promotes an overall feeling of wellbeing. This can even temporarily relieve pain. So, watch your favourite comedy show, share jokes with a friend or enjoy a funny cat video on YouTube!
We may be slightly biased, but shopping is a great way of alleviating stress! Shopping engages all the senses and is the perfect distraction for the trials and tribulations of modern life. Take a trip to The Pantiles this month to help sooth away any stress and strain.
Find out more about Stress Awareness Month.