In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an inevitable part of life. However, did you know that it can have negative effects on your mental AND physical health? That’s why it’s crucial to recognise the signs of stress and take steps to manage it before it becomes overwhelming.

But how do you know if you’re experiencing stress? Common signs include sleeping problems, sweating, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating. You may feel anxious, irritable, low in self-esteem, have racing thoughts, worry constantly, or go over things in your head.

Stress causes a surge of hormones in your body, and people have different ways of reacting to it. You may notice that you lose your temper more easily, drink more, or act unreasonably. Headaches, muscle tension or pain, dizziness, and fatigue are also common symptoms of stress.

 But don’t worry, there are practical steps you can take to deal with stress effectively.

One of them is to meet with friends and family and take the time to talk about how you and they are feeling and listen to others. Sharing personal experiences of coping might also help you and someone else deal with stress better. 

 Being active is another way to reduce the impact of stress on the body and mind. Even if it’s a gentle walk in the park, a cycle, gardening, or even housework, it can count as physical activity. Exploring self-help toolkits and learning new skills to help you cope better with stress or taking part in the free online stress control classes available can also be helpful.

 Stopping, pausing, and taking a moment to be still and look around you while focusing on your breathing can be a simple yet effective way to manage stress. It’s also important to reduce your time watching the news and browsing social media if it is having a negative impact on your mental health. 

 Finally, becoming aware of what triggers tend to cause stress and anxiety and thinking about reducing these stress triggers can help you resolve them with coping strategies.

According to Dr Margaret O’Hagan, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Health and Social Care Board in Northern Ireland, “Stress is part of everyday life, but it is important to recognise the symptoms and learn how to manage them to prevent stress from affecting your physical and emotional health.”

“It’s important to take care of yourself and manage stress effectively to maintain good health and well-being. By taking the necessary steps to deal with stress, you can lead a healthier, happier life. So, the next time you feel stressed, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you have the power to manage it.”

DON’T LET STRESS MAKE YOU SICK

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an inevitable part of life. However, did you know that it can have negative effects on your mental AND physical health? That’s why it’s crucial to recognise the signs of stress and take steps to manage it before it becomes overwhelming.

But how do you know if you’re experiencing stress? Common signs include sleeping problems, sweating, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating. You may feel anxious, irritable, low in self-esteem, have racing thoughts, worry constantly, or go over things in your head.

Stress causes a surge of hormones in your body, and people have different ways of reacting to it. You may notice that you lose your temper more easily, drink more, or act unreasonably. Headaches, muscle tension or pain, dizziness, and fatigue are also common symptoms of stress.

 But don’t worry, there are practical steps you can take to deal with stress effectively.

One of them is to meet with friends and family and take the time to talk about how you and they are feeling and listen to others. Sharing personal experiences of coping might also help you and someone else deal with stress better. 

 Being active is another way to reduce the impact of stress on the body and mind. Even if it’s a gentle walk in the park, a cycle, gardening, or even housework, it can count as physical activity. Exploring self-help toolkits and learning new skills to help you cope better with stress or taking part in the free online stress control classes available can also be helpful.

 Stopping, pausing, and taking a moment to be still and look around you while focusing on your breathing can be a simple yet effective way to manage stress. It’s also important to reduce your time watching the news and browsing social media if it is having a negative impact on your mental health. 

 Finally, becoming aware of what triggers tend to cause stress and anxiety and thinking about reducing these stress triggers can help you resolve them with coping strategies.

According to Dr Margaret O’Hagan, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Health and Social Care Board in Northern Ireland, “Stress is part of everyday life, but it is important to recognise the symptoms and learn how to manage them to prevent stress from affecting your physical and emotional health.”

“It’s important to take care of yourself and manage stress effectively to maintain good health and well-being. By taking the necessary steps to deal with stress, you can lead a healthier, happier life. So, the next time you feel stressed, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you have the power to manage it.”