I know I am fortunate to have a busy life and shouldn’t complain but I find myself getting stressed out. My friends are losing patience and I know I need to get a grip. How can I stop panicking and getting angry, its irritating my friends?
Ruth Stein Watford
Stress is an instinctive reaction for self-survival which automatically switches your body to a state of red alert. So Ruth when you feel fear and your senses sharpen hormones flood into your bloodstream. You breathe more deeply, your heart rate soars and your muscles tense ready for action. Some stress is an essential part of everyday life and helps keep us out of danger. For example we need to be alert when we cross the road. But sometimes we all feel we can’t cope with our stress, even simple things make us “blow a fuse”. Know the difference because this is distress and is detrimental to your health. Pent-up feelings push up blood pressure and put a strain on the whole body including the heart. So learn not to panic and find ways to reduce your stress levels
To be happy and productive you need to manage your life, have a positive action plan and take control. Create a routine, set yourself realistic goals, and learn to prioritise and focus. Don’t say yes to everything you are asked to do, you are only human, so guard your time jealously.
Ruth make a list of things that cause you stress and consciously try to relax and tackle the source of the problem wherever possible. Gentle rhythmic cycling, jogging or swimming reduces tension; helps release pent up energy and encourages deep refreshing sleep. Yoga, body conditioning classes and relaxation techniques are also helpful.