7 Ways To Beat Stress

Posted on 20/08/2018

There may be times in your life when you feel a little more anxious than normal – perhaps you have exams coming up, you’re starting a new job, moving to a new house, or planning your wedding. Sometimes you can just take on too much in your day to day life.  And while a little stress now and then is not something to be concerned about – ongoing stress can be the cause of health problems.

So what is stress?
When you feel stressed your body jumps into action and releases a mix of hormones and chemicals including adrenaline and cortisol.  That feeling of a rush of energy, fast breathing, and heart pounding is the adrenaline kicking in. It helps to deal with immediate stress.

Cortisol on the other hand is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands.  It’s primary role is to support your body during times of stress by counteracting its effect. It’s like the back-up plan for stress that is ongoing.

What are symptoms of stress?
Stress can show itself in different ways for people.  Some people may find that their mood is affected – perhaps you are more short-tempered, or things make you feel more agitated.

It may come across as more emotional – perhaps a feeling of low self esteem, loneliness, being easily frustrated or finding it difficult to relax your mind.

Or it may be more physical –  inability to sleep, low energy levels, headaches, increased spots due to increased hormone levels, or the development of psoriasis and eczema.

Or it may affect how you behave – starting many tasks but finishing little, difficulty to concentrate, memory problems or being indecisive.

However stress affects you – here are 7 ways to help reduce the symptoms

1 – Exercise – Doing regular exercise helps to improve your mood and reduce the feelings of anxiety and stress.  This can be as simple as a 10 minute walk.  Through exercise you are increasing the endorphins in your body that make you feel happy.  It is also great for improving your skin and helping you sleep better.

2 – Take up Yoga or Pilates – these types of exercise help to calm your mind, lower your blood pressure and can help reduce anxiety and depression.  New Yoga and Pilates classes are now being run at Cheltenham Reflexology and Massage – Give us a call on 01242 255440 to see if there’s a time that suits you.

3 – Treat yourself to a holistic treatment – Holistic treatments are good for the physical and mental well-being.  A hot stone massage is great for overall deep relaxation, while an Indian head massage can help if you carry your tension across your head, jaw and the upper part of your body.  Another treatment that is also great in helping to re-balance your well-being is Ear Candling.  Why not view all our treatments to see what you fancy.

4 – Place a salt lamp in one or more rooms –  Himalayan pink salt lamps are a great way to naturally enhance your mood or to help you relax and unwind at the end of the day. They are also great for improving concentration. In the shop at 1 St Margaret’s Terrace, we stock a variety of different salt lamps, like ‘fire bowls’ and 10kg salt stones.

5 – Use aromatherapy oils –  Aromas can provide an uplifting or sedating affect on the brain- certain smells can transport you back to a particular time in your life.  Alani aromotherapy have a number of products that have been specifically produced to help you relax, improve your mood or concentration.

6 – Have a relaxing bath – taking time out and running a relaxing bath will improve your well-being.  To get the best effect, spend a minimum of 20 minutes in the bath, playing music and perhaps lighting a few candles will add to the sense of relaxation. A cup of Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts are proven to aid muscular tension relief. Why not use our Relaxing and calming bath salt with Lavender.

7 – Make time for hobbies – Make time for hobbies – it’s really important to enjoy yourself and the best way to do that is with something you love doing.