Three broad categories of stress have been identified:
- ‘Good stress’
- ‘Tolerable stress’
- ‘Toxic stress’
Which kind of stress are you experiencing? How can you turn toxic stress to tolerable or good stress?
Three broad categories of stress have been identified:
Which kind of stress are you experiencing? How can you turn toxic stress to tolerable or good stress?
So many of us feel stressed with busy lives and at the point of overwhelm. There are things you can do to relieve some of that stress. Stress is inevitable in life but you can change your resilience to stress.
Exercise or physical activity is fantastic for stress relief.
You may need to build your self-esteem. Challenge negative thoughts, focus on positive thoughts about yourself and others. Challenge yourself to achieve goals.
If you have too much on your plate or you feeling overwhelmed you either need to get a bigger plate or take some things off it. This means either building your resilience through adding in more positive health behaviours or re-evaluating what you are trying to do.
Do something you enjoy – something that makes you laugh or feel happy, a hobby, enjoy your friends, partner or family – just stop and relax even if it is for just 10 minutes in a day – it will make a difference
Work on improving your health and well-being – exercise, nutrition, sleep, social well-being, relationships, have a meaning and purpose, maintain your mental health.
There are several signs that might show that you are not getting enough sleep:
· You could easily fall asleep again at 10 or 11am
· You are unable to function optimally without caffeine before midday
· You would sleep on without your alarm clock
· You have trouble concentrating or reading or you are forgetful
· You need to sleep longer at the weekends
If you were offered something with these proven benefits would you take it?
Reduce your risk of dementia by 30%, heart disease 35%, type 2 diabetes 40%, colon cancer 30%, breast cancer 20%, depression 30%, hip fractures over 60%
Reduce your risk of low back pain, improve pain conditions, maintain weight loss.
Improve your mood and feel less tired.
Exercise has so many benefits for all ages. It really is the best medicine
Healthy living is important for your well-being. There are many principles for healthy living. If you aren’t meeting all of them make simple step by step changes to try to meet the targets and enjoy the benefits for your well-being. I list some general principles to help you towards improved well-being.
Eat well – At least 5 fruit and vegetables per day, fish twice per week.
Sleep well – adults on average need 7-9 hours per night
Relate well – spend time talking to friends, partner or relatives, enjoy the company of others. Good communication is the foundation of healthy relationships.
Move well – get physical activity into your life – 150 minutes per week and 2 strengthening sessions.
Think well – work on having a positive mindset. Turn negative thoughts to positives about yourself or others. Try to be thankful each day.
Next year we are going to work on lots of these areas through regular posts and help sheets. Make sure you are following on Instagram and Facebook to keep up.