PJEndicott

Sadly, Stress has become one of the most over-used and misused words in the English language today. All too often people describe themselves as 'stressed' when they are really just very busy, and/or working to tight deadlines and with limited resources. Strictly speaking, this situation is better described as being subject to pressure, and pressure is often a positive existence in our lives as it motivates us to do things, to achieve. Stress is, however, a physiological change that affects our mind and body when we become subject to excessive pressure or demands placed upon us. Sadly, the physiological changes experienced under true stress can lead to illness, both in the short-term and long-term.

The Health & Safety Executive have issued Management Standards in respect of stress at work. However, not all stress emanates from our working life, and we must all play a part in combating stress in ourselves and others.

We cannot prevent stress, but we can learn to use effective ways of managing stress through a range of methods including:

• Diet - controlling what we eat and drink, eating healthily and avoiding minimising our use of chemicals that ultimately and adversely affect our energy levels, for instance caffeine, alcohol and smoking

• Exercise - getting the right amount of exercise is easier than we often think. Exercise uses up excess adrenaline, helps us to relax and to sleep better.

• Life Balance - getting the balance right between all of the demands we face in life, from home, work, families, partners, friends and hobbies.

• Thinking - thinking positively rather than letting our thoughts contribute to the pressure, or stress, that we are under.

• Sleep - adequate amounts of good-quality restorative sleep are essential the the wellbeing of our body and brain. Without sufficient sleep we become tired, concentration is impaired and memory becomes poor. Our immune system can also become compromised.