It’s 11:00pm, all day you have been tired, but as soon as your head hits the pillow bam! A million things start flowing through your head like a waterfall after a storm. “Are you saving enough for Christmas? Did you turn the dryer on with tomorrows school uniform in? You really need to text your sister more. How many hearts does an octopus have??!! All off a sudden any thing that you have ever wondered or thought about piles into your brain. Suddenly you aren’t tired anymore, in-fact your eyes feel wider than they do after 3 double shot expressos. Finally at 2:00 am you drift off into a restless sleep and relax…..
I think quite a lot of us have experienced a situation like this. In these uncertain times a lot of us have been feeling a lot more stressed or anxious than ever before. Everyone experiences stress at some point, it can even be motivating to a certain extent, and can help us get things done. But when we find ourselves feeling like we are sinking into a big hole, with all our tasks and worries on top of us and we feel that little bit breathless at the days challenges ahead, then this is not the kind of stress that is helpful.
Unfortunately stress and anxiety often go hand in hand like some panto villain power couple. Anxiety causes stress and stress can trigger anxiety. So what do we do? How can we help ourselves and stop ourselves burning out.
The first thing we could try to do is ask ourselves, why am I stressed? What exactly is it that is making me feel this way? Sometimes this is easy and it helps us take control of the situation, which can sometimes feel empowering and give us that extra oomph to carry on, and to try and think of a solution to the way we are feeling. If you know you have a stressful day or week approaching, planning ahead is a great help. Think about the days tasks and try and make a plan about what needs doing and when. If anything can be done the night before then do it, as it means that not everything is going to be a mad rush. Scheduling breaks into this time as well is a must. A sit down or to do something you enjoy. Whether it be a cup of tea and a catch up with Eastenders, or an hour rock climbing, time for yourself is equally important as the housework, shopping and all those impending bills that need to be paid.
Now I am more of the cup of tea watching Eastenders type of girl. Sometimes if I am stressed, watching mind numbing soaps really helps me escape the stress of real life. But physical activity can also help (so I have heard). Challenging yourself to do something physical can act as an escape and can reduce stress but is good for your general well being. It helps take you out of the situation and be calmer and more clear headed. It is all about finding the activity that works for you as we are all different.
Some times when things are tough it may be a really hard thing to do to think positively, but this does help. Try and think of the things we have to be grateful for. You could sit down before bed each day and write down three things positive that have happened that day or three things to be thankful for. This can help us appreciate what we have and calm our minds before we try and sleep.
One thing that can not be stressed enough (that was an awful play on words sorry) is to talk to somebody. Cliches are used a lot but they really are true. A problem shared really is a problem halved and as Bob Hoskins said in the famous BT ad back in 1995, wow showing my age now…”its good to talk.” Speak to family, friends, anybody you feel comfortable with. There are organisations out there to help with stress and anxiety. NHS111, Anxiety UK, or even the Samaritans. Just pick up the phone and ask for help. Now more than ever, people are wanting to help others, so do not suffer alone.
Don’t forget to reach out a helping hand to somebody who you think may need it. If a friend has gone quiet on you or their behaviour has changed, ask if they are ok. Sometimes this is all it takes to let somebody open up. People do suffer in silence a lot of the time and we can not even tell that something is wrong.
I for one need to take my own advice. I definitely need to make time for myself and find time to enjoy more of the things I love. Being more organised would also help me a lot so these are the points I am going to work on. What about you??
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