Kent Sport health and fitness instructor Sarah Black shares some tips on dealing with stress:
Stress- we are all well-familiarised with the effects it can have on us. We suffer from it on a daily basis. But what is stress? What causes it and most importantly how can we manage and overcome it?
Stress is the body’s response and reaction towards a challenge. We have a fight and flight mechanism respondent to the sympathetic nervous system and then the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body back to its physiological condition.
Humans need some stress in order to function, remain alert and it benefits our health to experience some forms of stress daily. However too much can become unhealthy and in some instances even dangerous.
Some of the harmful effects it may have upon us are immunity suppression, irritability, weight fluctuations, lack of sleep, loss of concentration, energy and risk of poor health and injury.
These are obvious effects, but what is the answer to overcoming the negative impact it can have on us?
Truthfully, each individual needs to master the technique to managing stress effectively. There is no one answer; everyone handles situations differently. Therefore my advice is universal and hopefully by trusting your choices you can utilise this advice effectively. Perhaps one option I present or maybe even all of them will be of some good use?
Firstly you need to recognise the stress signs, this is your first chance to catch the early stages and attempt to eliminate the cause. It may be as simple as preparation. For example, you are aware exams or deadlines are approaching; so instead of leaving everything to the last minute and stressing over frustration and frenzy, get yourself ready slightly earlier and strategise organisation plans to avoid panic.
Another mechanism to fight against stress is to remain immune. Remain healthy and use your body as a tool and shield. Nourish your health with good diet and your body will learn to take care of your mind and fight infections, build up strength to handle judgements and decisions. Keeping stocked up on healthy nutrients will assist against degeneration in times of mental illnesses, which in turn leads to physical issues.
Get enough sleep and if you are struggling to sleep, I can offer you my tool of combating insomnia. Breath awareness. Shutting off your mind to the numerous dancing thoughts and worries that are delaying your rest time. Focus on one thought, in this instance – breath. It may be different for you? But try listen to the rhythm, focus on the sounds of your breathing, inhale and feel the air enter, bringing your mind internally to acknowledge the connection between breath and the state of calamity will hopefully seduce you into a peaceful state of mind.
Support, remember you are not the only one to experience stress and speaking with colleagues, friends and family will hopefully reduce the intensity of feeling pained, worried or even afraid. A problem shared, is a problem halved. So do not be afraid to reach out.
“If the problem can be solved why worry? If the problem cannot be solved worrying will do you no good.” Santideva
My final word of advice. “What is the worst that could happen?” question this and you might realise that the stress you are feeling is not worth the worry. No problem in this world is too big that it can’t be fixed. Trust yourself and learn to realise we are capable of anything we put our minds to.
For advice about how to achieve a healthy lifestyle don’t hesitate to chat with members of the Kent Sport fitness team; and you can find out about fitness consultations offered on the Kent Sport website.