Banish stress from your life this April

Since 1992, April has marked National Stress Awareness Month. Sponsored by the Health Resource Network, there is a national campaign to shine a light on the stress epidemic sweeping the country. Here we take a closer look into this brain invasion, which affects so many of us in our daily lives.  

Most of us have probably experienced some form of stress at some point in our lives. And with the pressures of modern life weighing so heavily upon us, it is of no surprise that we feel overwhelmed from time to time.  

A study by forthwithlife.co.uk found that 85% of adults report living with some form of stress, and the main causes were money, work, health concerns, failure to get enough sleep and household chores. Sound familiar?   

Stress is usually associated with psychological issues like low mood, anxiety, irritability and sadness. However, there are also many physiological and physical problems that can be caused by stress too, such as low energy levels, stomach upset, headaches and nausea as- well as aches, pains and tense muscles. Ouch! 

What can you do if your body is giving you a few subtle - or not so subtle - hints that you need to relax a little? We recommend taking some time out for you to recharge those batteries... even if it is just 10 minutes a day of sitting outside, in the sunlight. 

Breathing is so natural that we take it for granted every single day. Allow yourself to take in a few deep breaths and if you can, visualize cool air coming in and hot air going out. Go for a walk, go for a bike ride, book yourself some spa time or a massage. Give yoga a go, no you don’t have to become a qualified yogi but yoga is known for reducing stress, bringing a little more zen into your life and helping you be stronger and nimbler. 

 Although many people chain drink coffee to get them through the day, and a glass (ahem….or three) of Merlot to get them through the evening by reducing or avoiding caffeine and alcohol you can help to avoid headaches or stomach upsets which in turn will help you to feel less wiped out during stressful times. If you are feeling lethargic and tightly wound, try having a glass of water and step away from your normality, just for a moment, and have a good stretch.  

We aren’t done yet! Relieving physical niggles is only part of the remedy. So where do you turn to address the mental aspect of feeling stressed?  

For many, learning simple meditation techniques can be like a spa day for the brain, which in turn allows you to release inner tensions and to calmly step back from worries or concerns until you are ready to deal with them again.  

Another method can be to write an actual pen and paper list of the things that are worrying you and come up with a practical plan to be able to move forward. And of course, opening up to someone you trust for support can be a great way to lighten the load.  

Also, on the list of "chill out" methods is to release some endorphins. Not a fantasy creature you might find in a forest, endorphins are the chemicals in the brain that trigger positive feelings. 

Exercise is a proven way to release endorphins and getting out for a jog in the fresh air or focusing on a workout (at home or as part of a group) can be a great way to zone out for part of your day. In-fact studies report say that 32% of people use exercise to overcome stress. 

If a run around the block isn’t for you, another simple way to feel calmer is to listen to music. Soothing music has been shown to lower blood pressure as well as reducing levels of stress hormones. If you find yourself particularly stressed or anxious whack on your favourite tunes and let the music give you a hug from the inside.  

Lastly, remember it is ok to give yourself a break and say no. No to plans. No to running around. No to something that makes you feel anxious and instead say yes to yourself. Yes, to taking 5 and giving yourself permission to just have a moment of calm.  

And of course, there is always a spa nearby where you can have a massage, facial, get a pedicure, take a dip in a plunge pool and take in one of those deep breathes.  

Elements Boutique Spa is an award-winning, luxury spa set amongst the Somerset Levels in Somerset. To book a spa day, massage, facial, or any of our treatments, please get in touch. Email spa@windmillretreat.co.uk or call 01823 698951