Stress is very common at the moment with so much uncertainty and a lack of control so it’s no wonder that we are frazzled and left feeling exhausted.
Many people are on the redundancy rollercoaster too, which can understandably hit confidence, sap energy and create worries about finances and the future.
Redundancy is hard at the best of times, and add in the global pandemic which we’re currently navigating and its no wonder stress is on the rise.
Stress takes its toll on our body and brain health and when our energy levels are running low and there’s a feeling of fatigue with the mundanity of day to day living as we tentatively move to the new normal,
our mechanism for handling stress is probably lest robust than we’d like it to be. It’s important to learn how to identify and manage symptoms of stress.
These symptoms manifest in different ways and can include over eating, drinking too much, a feeling of lethargy, disturbed sleep, general lowness and irritability.
In order to reduce the stress on our bodies and our mental wellbeing and brain health it’s worth asking yourself the following questions and pin pointing what you can change.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
What is the main source of your worry?
How is this manifesting itself?
Are you overthinking situations?
Is there someone you can talk to? ( A problem shared is a problem halved )
What can I do today to positively impact my future? ( Go for a walk, do your CV, phone a friend )
Are you taking care of my emotional, spiritual and physical needs?
Are you eating properly?
Are you sleeping well?
And the most simplest one we neglect - are you drinking enough water?
Once you know the answers it may help give you some clarity as to how to tackle your stresses - whatever the source or sources of the issue is.
To help alleviate stress there are a number of things you can do:
Breathe deep
Eat well balanced meals
Avoid nicotine and caffeine stimulants
Watch your alcohol intake
Take breaks from your routine
Get enough sleep
Connect with your friends and family
One final thought I will leave you with - the Serenity Prayer has been put to good use ion late by friends whom take comfort in its wording when you feel its all a bit too much:
"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Keep Well
Dr Clara Russell
