LET’S TALK ABOUT STRESS
What is stress?
Stress is a state of being or feeling resulting from different triggers in our lives. This can sometimes lead to physical side effects. There may be times when you don’t even realise you have been stressed until your body sends a warning sign. This could be, for example, an illness, an injury, a skin rash or a feeling of overwhelming tiredness and irrationalness. Stress manifests itself in all of us in different ways. It’s important to talk about stress, to listen to your body, to learn to spot the signs and manage them early on before they develop into more serious issues.
Why do we get stressed?
There are so many factors in our lives that can lead to us feeling stressed and anxious. Sometimes it really just feels like life as a whole is the cause. If there is a major event happening in your life, such as a house move or wedding, it can be fairly easy to understand that this is the key factor at play. However, sometimes it can be a lot less obvious as to what is going on that’s triggering your stress hormones. There may be an underlying issue in a relationship or at work that you hadn’t realised was affecting you so much. It’s important to take time to give it proper thought. You can then identify the triggers and learn how to manage or overcome them. This can allow you to lead a calmer lifestyle.
How can we manage our stress?
How to manage stress
Exercise is really great for helping to manage stress levels. We can’t emphasize this enough. Not only will doing a workout give you some time for yourself and take you out of the stressful situation, but the endorphins also released will make you feel more positive. Depending on how your body is feeling, you can choose a more meditative form of exercise to help with clearing your headspace, or you can go for something a tad more full out to help release any anger or frustration you are feeling. Exercising with friends and family can be fun and full of laughter. It’s good to do what comes naturally to us as humans and interact with others. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to talk about stress and vocalise what you’re going through. Don’t take all of your workouts too seriously. Don’t over-exercise and leave yourself even more exhausted. You’re aiming to decrease your stress levels, not add to them by demanding too much of yourself.
Top Tip
When you’re in a specifically stressful situation, or just feeling the pressure in general for a prolonged period, you can forget to do the simplest of things. Breathe. Taking a moment for 5 deep inhales and exhales, can honestly really help. You’ll instantly feel calmer and more in control of the situation. Importantly, it will give you the time and space you need to process things a little more rationally in your mind. The best thing about this simple stress busting exercising, is that it can be practised anywhere, at any time, and by anyone.
If you’re considering starting a new exercise routine, our fitness instructors are experienced and exceptionally trained. They understand how to make fitness fun and functional. You can find out more about them here.
Written by Becky Barrett.
Becky Barrett is an international talent manager and personal fitness coach with over 15 years’ professional experience and a 1st class Honours degree in Business & Law.
Driven by her unique values of compassion and a holistic approach to talent management, Becky has devised an innovative solution to take on the fitness industry with a brand-new personal fitness concept that aims to inspire and boost ‘new normal’ approaches to exercise routines.
Features include: Health & Wellbeing, Natural Health, Arden University, The Telegraph, BBC, Time & Leisure, Bdaily News, The Stage.