There is a whole host of reasons why people can become stressed. Whether it is because of pressure and the size of your workload in the office, or because of a hectic and busy schedule whilst at home. The NHS defines stress as "the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure." They go on to say that the pressure turns into stress when you feel unable to cope.
Today, we will firstly look at the health issues which can be triggered by stress, before moving on to the ways that we can beat it in the hope of increasing stress awareness.
Health problems caused by Stress
Researchers have discovered that those of us who go through stressful periods on a regular basis can be at risk. The most common condition that can be triggered by stress includes heart disease due to the rise in blood pressure.
Stress can increase the heart rate and blood flow around your body - causing the release of cholesterol and triglycerides into the bloodstream.
High levels of stress can also trigger obesity problems. This is because people affected by stress develop higher levels of the hormone called cortisol, which increases the amount of fat that's deposited in the abdomen.
Stress is also linked to depression and anxiety - especially when it is caused by your time at work. A demanding job in which you don't receive much joy and excitement can cause you to become depressed and upset.
Other medical conditions which researchers have found to be linked to stress include diabetes, headaches, asthma and Alzheimer's.
Ways to beat stress
There are many different ways to help overcome and defeat stress and they can vary depending on the person affected. These can include physical and mental exercises along with social activities with friends and family. Things you can do to eliminate stress include:
- Visit health groups - Your GP can refer you to stress management classes or groups, where you can meet other people who are suffering and work with each other to help overcome the issue.
- Exercise - Going to the gym or for a bike ride can help clear your mind as you focus on the workout in front of you. Physical activities such as weightlifting or boxercise can relieve stress.
- Play a sport - This works in the same way as exercise except it is likely that you can have more fun taking part in a sporting activity.
- Socialise - A trip out with your friends for a meal or drink can help you to forget about your problems.
- Think positive - Try to be a "Glass half full" person rather than "Glass half empty." Think about all the positive things going on in your life rather than those that are getting you down.
- Avoid excessive drinking/smoking - These bad habits can only make the situation worse.
- Prioritise your work - Concentrate on the most important and productive bit of your job - parts that will give you more satisfaction upon completion
Things are just a few ways in which you can to combat your stress levels - there are plenty more online. The best thing that you can do is to avoid bunching it all up inside. Talking to friends and family is a must to help stay healthy. If you know anyone that might be suffering from stress, or you want to increase stress awareness then share the information we have provided here today.
If you or your loved one is still struggling with stress, they can speak to their GP or a registered mental health charity. With mental health more and more talked about in recent years, the help available has only grown too. Charities such as MIND offer free support via their website whether you just need to speak to someone about your stress levels or if you need urgent help, MIND can help.
How a Careline Alarm can help
Having a Careline alarm system in your home can help reduce your stress and anxiety levels. By having a pendant around your wrist or neck you will always have somebody there to help you should you need assistance.
Simply push the red button and a member of our talented monitoring team will respond over the alarm's loudspeaker. He or she can then arrange for your friends and family, known as emergency contacts, to visit and help you straight away.
If you need medical help, the emergency services are also contacted, with your medical records passed on to them so that they know what they could potentially be dealing with once they arrive on the scene.
