Solutions to Stress

Fact or Fiction?

• "I'll have a cup of coffee and a cigarette - then I'll feel better".
  Fiction: Caffeine and tobacco are both stimulants. As a result, you will initially feel more alert, but soon you may start to feel irritable and may not sleep well, all of which can make you feel worse.
• "I am going to throw myself into work until I have overcome my problem".
  Fiction: This can be dangerous. Although you may feel that you are trying to solve the problem, it is important to achieve a balance between home, work and leisure. Apart from home and leisure helping you to relax and recharge your batteries, coming back refreshed to a problem may offer a better solution.
• "I haven't got time to go to the gym, I'm under too much pressure".
  Fiction: Even if you feel tired because of the pressure you are under, an exercise class or a long swim could be just what you need. Exercise is one of the best ways to beat stress; it burns up excess adrenaline, keeps you mentally and physically alert, promotes a good night's sleep and your body produces the chemical 'endorphin' which make us feel happy.
• "All I need to do is sit down quietly"
  Fiction: This could be the worst thing to do. If you sit down and don't focus on anything in particular, you may find your mind wandering back to the problems you are facing. You may find that taking up a sport or hobby will take your mind off things, which will help your body to wind down.
• "There is no tablet to cure stress"
  Fact: There isn't a tablet you can take to make your problems go away, but for short term relief you can take medicines to help relieve your indigestion, aches and pains, including headaches, skin rashes, and help you sleep. As the medicines start to work you will start to feel better. As a result you will be in a better frame of mind to deal more logically with the issues and find solutions to those things that are causing your stress.
• "A problem shared is a problem halved"
  Fact: Talking to people not only makes you realise that you are not alone, but can often help find solutions to many of your problems. Sharing a joke can also relieve some of the pressure - laughter is a great stress-buster.