Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992. It a month when various health experts raise awareness about the causes and solutions of today’s spiralling stress levels.
Increased stress means decreased effectiveness of the immune system. As well as it being no way to live – in a state of stress – that means much more likelihood of illness.
Make no mistake, stress kills. Consequently, it’s absolutely essential we all know how to lose stress if it creeps up or grabs us – and ideally not get stressed in the first place!
Some of the best ways to beat and avoid stress are:
- Make a decision to look on the bright side of life. Focus on the positives and not the negatives. Always remember this Eleanor Roosevelt quote: “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
- Every day, make enough time to do some relaxing things – such as chill out to tranquil music, read a book, walk in the park or the countryside, or take a warm bubbly bath.
- Turn off electrical devices. Especially in the evening when the bright screen lights and activity in the mind does nothing to help a sound night’s sleep. Talking of which, sleep is a great proven stress-buster.
- Meditation works wonders as has been known since time began. One simple meditation to start trying is to light a candle in a dark room and stare at the flame while you chant a couple of words that mean something important to you (such as a name). Thirty minutes is a good time. As well, be aware of your breathing, and just try to declutter your mind as best you can.
Also remember that each time you exercise, your brain will activate stress-busting “happiness” chemicals called endorphins. Our gyms are open 24 hours a day and seven days a week for you to visit and beat away any stress as well as getting your body fit and healthy.
