Feeling stressed?

It is estimated that the average person has 80,000 thoughts a day! The mind is an amazing tool, but if we are unable to switch it off, it can overwhelm us. During these overwhelming and uncertain times, we care about your wellbeing and know that stress can have a negative impact on physical and mental health. Whether it’s personal, occupational, financial, or from another source, stress can and should be managed.

The Body's Response

The more our minds start to become anxious or fearful, the more fear arises as an emotion, and the more the body will react.

• Stored sugars and fats are released into the bloodstream to provide quick energy
• The heart pumps faster to provide more blood to muscles
• Breathing rate increases to provide oxygen to muscles
• Perspiration increases to help reduce body temperature
• Blood clotting mechanisms are activated to protect against injury
• Muscles tense in preparation for action

These symptoms can happen for hours at a time without being aware of it. Over time, these demands can take a toll on your overall health and well-being. Common related issues are:

• Heart disease
• Sleep problems
• Digestive problems
• Depression
• Obesity
• Memory impairment
• Increased cold and flu incidence

Tips for Managing Stress

• Deep breathing: Deep breathing helps calm your nervous system and connect you to your body.
• Mindfulness & meditation: Relax and reset. There are a number of free apps that can guide you in meditation, whole body relaxation, and gratitude journaling.
• Take a break: If you feel the stress starting to pile up, get up and stretch, take a walk, or try some desk yoga.
• Sleep, eat, & exercise: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, eat nutritious and satisfying foods, and get your body moving throughout the day.

Putting it into Action

Notice the physical changes taking place in your body and the thoughts you are having. This can allow you to recognize how YOU respond to stress. Everyone has different symptoms. Identify your body's physical, mental and emotional responses to stressful events.​ This allows us to practice the common aspect of mindfulness which is breaking the chain of reacting on auto-pilot​.