It's Emily here, I hope you are finding moments for rest and joy. This week was International Stress Awareness Week. It’s an annual event to raise awareness of the impacts of stress; help people to build resilience and work against the stigma surrounding mental health.
So, what is the definition of stress? It’s not necessarily good or bad- pressure can motivate us to get things done or reach certain goals. However, excess pressure and over prolonged periods can impact our mental health to the point that we struggle to cope with day-to-day life. It can lead to burnout, anxiety and/or depression. The charity Mind describes it this way:-
“Stress is how we react when we feel under pressure or threatened. It usually happens when we are in a situation that we don't feel we can manage or control.”
Given how global events have played out in recent weeks, it may have affected your stress levels. And while many of us experience different forms of stress and we even endure the same events in contrasting ways, it can be easy to disregard what we individually go through. Gentle reminder: your feelings are valid and your experiences matter.
Checking in on how we're coping or simply asking how am I feeling right now? can help us to weather difficult times and recognise how we are responding to what’s happening in our lives. Asking these questions every so often can make all the difference in helping us to recognise when we need to reduce stress.
Establishing regular habits like breath practices, restorative yoga or yin can be highly effective methods for stress prevention. Try this practice By Zakya to calm a busy mind with soothing breathing and facial massage.
If you would like to uplift your mental wellbeing and haven't already (or if fancy a refresher), check out the autumn self-care tips blogpost for more ideas on mental wellbeing practices for the colder months.
Build stress-reducing habits, practice what you already know:
Think of a daily habit you already have in place. Can you take 5 minutes after this to do a short breathing practice, for example?
If you catch yourself thinking harsh thoughts, as Zakiya often invites us to do, can you make a point of giving yourself a hug or imagine the feeling of a hug
Affirm: repeat a phrase that you find grounding or comforting. You could try something like “May I be well, may I be safe, "may I be at ease” as shared by Paula in Restorative Yoga or as Coco recently shared in Hatha Yoga “I am abundant”
Connect: Sunday the 13th of November is World Kindness Day so maybe reach out to a friend and let them know something you appreciate about them (along with reducing stress, you might pass on the good energy)
Please always reach out if you need any support or you have any feedback on these posts. See you soon, Emily x
