What is Stress?


Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way.
 
When you sense danger – whether it’s real or imagined - the body’s defences kick into high gear in a rapid automatic process known as “fight or flight or freeze” reaction, or the stress response.  The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you.  When working properly it helps you stay focussed, energetic and alert.
 
But beyond a certain point stress stops being helpful and causes harm to your health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life.


 
SOME HELPFUL TIPS IN MANAGING STRESS:

 
1.  Breathing    
Paying attention to your breathing is a brilliant way to centre yourself in the present and learn to take each moment as it comes.  Inhale and exhale slowly to allow your body to calm down.

 
2.  Listen to Your Body
Focus your attention on what you are experiencing in the moment.  Sit quietly and focus and scan your body in your mind while noticing how it feels.  If you notice areas of tension imagine breathing the tension out of your body.
 
This is an example of translating a mindful exercise into your daily life. Take, for example, making a cup of tea:
 Notice the sound of water filling the kettle, hear the sound of the water boiling, choosing your favourite cup (for its shape, colour or feel), be aware of the sounds and smell as you add the water, tea, milk or sugar. Breathe – 
 
This moment of mindfulness creates full stops in our busy lives and reminds us to slow down and be in the present.


 
3. Managing Sleep
Remember it doesn’t matter if you don’t fall into a deep sleep just as long as you don’t worry about it and become physically tense.
 

Practice relaxing  - one muscle group at a time.  It isn’t medically possible to stay awake forever.  Your body will make sure you get the sleep you need, even if sometimes it means being flexible about catching up and “napping” at odd times.


 
ALSO…... see our pages on WELL-BEING

 
 
Our experienced Counsellors and Psychotherapists are here to guide you through this process.
 
www.greylynncounselling.co.nz
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