Stress & Anxiety
Stress is your body’s natural response to a demand, challenge or perceived threat. It activates the body’s fight, flight or freeze response, causing a surge of hormones that prepare you to respond to the situation.
This response is useful in short bursts, helping you react quickly and stay focused when needed. However, when stress becomes frequent or long-lasting, it can place ongoing pressure on both your body and mind.
Long-term stress may contribute to a range of health concerns, including high blood pressure, weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), headaches and muscle tension or pain.
Symptoms of stress
Learning to recognise the signs of stress can help you take action before it starts to feel overwhelming.
Stress can affect everyone differently. Common symptoms of ongoing stress include:
headaches, muscle tension, neck or back pain
feeling anxious, restless or jittery
feeling more irritable or easily frustrated
changes in appetite or overeating
an upset stomach or digestive discomfort
chest discomfort or a rapid heartbeat
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
feeling tired, flat, overwhelmed or worn out
difficulty concentrating or staying focused
relying more heavily on coffee, energy drinks or sugary foods
experiencing more frequent colds, mouth ulcers, rashes or asthma symptoms
Tips for managing stress
Make time for activities that help you relax and unwind. This could include listening to music, practising mindfulness or meditation, spending time outdoors, or connecting with family and friends.
Regular physical activity can also help support your overall wellbeing and manage stress. Aim to move your body each day in a way that you enjoy.
Looking after the basics is important too. Try to eat a balanced diet, maintain regular sleep habits and give yourself time to rest and recharge.
Finally, make time for things you enjoy. Spending time with people who are important to you, enjoying your hobbies and taking regular breaks can all help you manage everyday stress.
Bach Rescue Remedy
This is a blend of five different Bach Flower Remedies.
The original Bach Flower Remedies were developed in the 1930s by an English Doctor, Dr Bach, as a safe and natural method of healing. They gently restore the balance between mind and body by casting out negative emotions and allowing peace and happiness to return to the sufferer so that the body is free to heal itself.
Rescue Remedy was created to help deal with emergencies and crises. It can be used to help people get through any stressful situations, from last-minute exam nerves, to the aftermath of an accident or bad news. Rescue Remedy helps us relax, get focused and return to calmness.
