Tackling Stress

Stress happens to all of us at one time of another. But what many people don’t know is that there are two forms of stress.

The first is acute stress, which is very normal and usually a reaction to a minor upset/accident, or an upcoming event. The other is chronic stress, which is far more serious and relates to consistently high levels of stress experienced over an extended period of time.

Good stress and bad stress?

Mild stress is a very normal and can actually be beneficial because it can be a useful motivator. It prompts us to take action and do things that we need to do. However, chronic stress can be seriously debilitating, affecting productivity and, worse still, your health, as your resilience is reduced. Fortunately, there is plenty you can do to help manage stress.

Of course, to begin with you have to recognise when and where you’re experiencing stress and what the causes are. A good way to do this is to write down in detail what the cause is as soon as you feel worried or stressed about something. Whether it’s a minor issue or a long-term concern, this will help you become clearer about what your main sources of stress are and when they occur. It’s these recurring stressors that are the ones that need to be dealt with, as these are what cause chronic stress.

You’ll notice that some stress factors are external, events that happen to you, whilst others, internal stressors, originate within you. Fears or thoughts about upcoming events are typical examples of internal stressors.

How to deal with stress

Here are some simple ways that will help you deal with stress.

• Dealing with internal sources of stress takes practice. It’s about challenging your negative thoughts but that doesn’t mean doing it alone. Talking things through with a friend or counsellor can be hugely helpful.

• External sources of stress such as those relating to work or a busy lifestyle, requires better time management. A calendar and to-do lists can be helpful in seeing what’s important and what isn’t. If you can cut out a stressful activity or reduce the time you spend on it, do so.

• Remember that you have no control over some stressors, such as what your boss or other work colleagues do. Try not to become anxious over things that might happen as a result of the actions of others.

• Exercise is good for fighting stress. It can raise energy levels and help you concentrate on work, focus on what’s important and sleep better.

• Eating properly is important. Even if you’re busy, make sure you take time out for lunch (and a break from sources of stress). Try not to eat while working. Preparing your lunch at home is the best way to avoid eating too much junk food.

• Taking up a hobby that gives you a pursuit outside of work and family life can be very therapeutic when it comes to tackling stress and taking time out from stressful situations.

• Limit your alcohol intake to the weekend. Drinking to avoid stress can lead to bigger problems.

Stress is a fact of life. Once you accept this then you should find that you’re able to control it better. By removing just a few causes or reducing the amount of stress you experience on a daily basis, you’ll see a huge difference to the enjoyment you get from life.

Hypnotherapy can be brilliant when tackling the causes and affects of stress.

Use hypnotherapy to change your mood and outlook. You can find us at The Trading Post, Port Solent PO6 4TP. Handy to get to us from Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire and West Sussex