Are you stressed?

Did you know that over 80% of visits to GPs are for stress related conditions? Not only can stress cause illnesses such as heart disease, ulcers and even cancer, but it is also the reason many of us drink, smoke and eat more than we should. There have been many recent news reports about the pressures our excessive drinking, smoking and eating habits are putting on the NHS. Stress is actually the most likely reason many of us take to the bottle, grab for the cigarette packet or open the biscuit tin. The really bad news is – it doesn’t even work!

There are much better ways of coping with stress. Make this a time to treat yourself and your GP by getting your stress under control.

Top ten tips for reducing stress:
• Avoid self medicating with nicotine, alcohol, coffee or pills

• Take physical exercise to work off stress – try walking for just 20 mins a day

• Make time to relax every day and treat yourself – try massage with a friend

• Get enough rest and sleep to recharge your batteries – take a break when tired

• Eat a good balanced diet with 7 portions of fresh fruit and vegetables every day

• Negotiate with people who cause you conflict – its better than avoidance

• Learn to accept the things you cannot change and save your emotional energy

• Manage your time better and delegate where possible

• Practise thinking positively – it’s amazing how effective it is

• Plan ahead to prevent too much pressure building up and learn to say "no"

Finally, next time you’re out in your garden, just take a few moments to watch the colours change, listen to the birds and enjoy the fresh air. Chill out and take some time for yourself. Your body will love it!

For full details of our  Distance Learning Diploma in Holistic Stress Management click here

Stress management information, hints and articles

Patricia is a fully trained teacher, who also has many years’ experience of working in industry. Her experiences in both schools and industry first brought her attention to the need for stress management and the benefits that can be obtained from it. This eventually led her to study Stress Management with the Kevala Centre, before going on to further study in a wide variety of related therapies, both at Kevala and elsewhere. She now draws on these therapies, plus her previous background as a teacher and manager, to provide a totally integrated and holistic approach to health management. She also runs regular courses in Integrated Health Management, Stress Management, Reiki, Relaxation and Meditation both with the NHS and independently.

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