Sean@advancedsp.co.za
Stress associated with fun activities such as down-hill skiing, social game or rushing off to an exciting presentation. Happens suddenly e.g. sudden loud noises, something crawling up your leg.
Intense stress that happens periodically in one’s life e.g. exams, being jobless, or your house being broken into.
High stressed job, loss of a loved one, environmental e.g. living in a country where you perceive your government is dishonest. Physical symptoms of chronic stress: Low energy Easily agitated and overwhelmed Continual headaches Insomnia Frequent colds and infections Loss of libido Stomach problems Tense muscles Cognitive symptoms: Contact worrying Poor judgment, clarity and focus Continually negative Forgetful If you are feeling a little run down, stressed and flu-ish, take note of and win back your immunity.
If your body has excess cortisol in it then you had better get to a gym or park run to burn it away. It is important to remember that your exercise programme needs to be moderate to intense and daily. Aim for at five to six times a week for 45 minutes to and hour, but you can start with shorter sessions and gradually build up.
If you are skipping breakfast, more than likely your stress level will rise quickly with your daily tasks. Try to focus on a wholesome breakfast which contains a good balance of good fats, proteins, complex carbs, fruits and lots of water.
Just before bed have a glass of warm milk and honey and a dash of cinnamon. Milk contains tryptophan which is an amino acid that helps produce serotonin and melatonin. These hormones are responsible for preparing you for sleep and a well-rested night. Protein from the milk helps with the repair process while you are sleeping.
The best way to keep focused on your tasks at hand is to write them down and set priorities for them. At the end of work, focus on saving 15 minutes before you leave the office to write down what your action plan for the next day is. At the back of your journal, write down things in your life that you feel weigh you down and reflect on how you can work towards taking that stress away from your day or at the very least diminishing the effects of the stressor.
When you are at work, it is all systems go. When you are at home, all your time is devoted to your family. Make sure you dedicate at least one night that you can invite a friend over to have a glass of wine, chat and offload. Trusted friends provide that safety net for you to vent without being judged and they offer a different perspective to your situations. Friends also have the ability to help you laugh and feel good. These happy endorphins all help to reduce your stress levels.