How stress affects our health

Stress doesn’t just affect us mentally, but physically too. But don’t fret, we’ve got expert advice on keeping calm – with incredible mind-body benefits. Lizzy Dening investigates

It’s pretty apparent that, whatever your personal circumstances, we’re living in a stressful time. We all know when we’re feeling stressed, but too much of it – along with anxiety – can play havoc with our health long-term. So if there was ever a time to keep as well and calm as possible, it’s now. Learning how to keep stress in check will avoid unnecessary digestive problems, blood pressure spikes and damage to your immunity. It can feel like a challenge sometimes to ‘keep calm and carry on’ but your health (and mood) will reap the benefits.

What impact can stress have on your health?

First things first, here’s why too much worrying can be a problem for your body.

“Stress is a necessity to get through day-to-day life, to help us stay motivated and get things done,” explains Lauren Chiren (right), a health coach specialising in neuropsychology. “But when it gets out of balance it can negatively impact your respiratory and cardiovascular systems and cause high blood pressure. In essence, long-term chronic or acute stress, without ever switching off or having some downtime, can damage your immune system. This can leave you susceptible to illness, from raised anxiety levels, depression, headaches, sleep problems, weight gain and memory and concentration issues.” All in all, not a nice package!

How to reset your body

Bedtime can often feel like a vicious cycle in times of anxiety: you need to sleep more to lower your stress levels, but you’re too stressed to nod off. The first thing to do,

Bedtime can feel like a vicious cycle: you need to sleep, but you’re too stressed to nod off

especially if life is feeling unstructured, is to set a regular routine. Go to bed at a specific time, even if you end up reading or listening to a radio programme. Set an alarm for the same time in the morning.

Making time to move your body each day can help produce feel-good hormones, as well as allowing you to burn off some emotional energy and

‘Create moments of downtime. Quiet periods when you can rest and relax’

frustration. When you can’t get out of the house, pottering around the garden, climbing the stairs or even fast walking on the spot (see pages 34-45 for exercising at home) will all help lift your spirits and calm your mind.

“It’s also helpful to create moments of downtime in the day,” says Lauren. ”Quiet periods when you can rest and relax, whether through meditation, mindfulness, tai chi, or something else.” (If you’re online, find free tai chi videos at taichionlineclasses.com) If those sound a struggle, even colouring, crafting or knitting can be excellent mindfulness tools – it’s just about calmly focusing on something other than a screen.

“Don’t forget to look for things to make you happy, too,” says Lauren. “Whether that’s making time for loved ones over the phone or video calls, or dancing and singing in the house.” Look for opportunities for joy and silliness – they are as important in your routine as nourishing meals and good-quality sleep. Perhaps consider making a list of all the films, music and TV shows that make you smile, and carving out time in every day to enjoy them for a few moments.

■ For more imformation contact Lauren at www.womenofacertainstage.com

■ For more help on combatting fear and anxiety turn to page 48