What is stressing you out?

Do you feel irritable, aggressive, or tired all the time? Unable to enjoy yourself because of pressure in your life? Anxious, over-burdened and uninterested? These are all common symptoms of stress.

Research has shown that around 12 million adults in the UK see their GP with mental health problems each year. Most of these suffer from anxiety and depression, and much of this is stress-related. 13.3 million working days are lost per year due to stress, depression and anxiety.

So, why when 1 in 5 of us will be affected by mental health are we suffering in silence?

Common signs of stress -

The initial signs of stress are physical ones; commonly tiredness, headaches or an upset stomach. When stressed our bodies are in 'fight or flight' mode. This means we release a large amount of hormones, mainly cortisol and adrenaline, causing heart rate and blood pressure to rise. As a result we feel generally unwell and in the long term it has a negative effect on our physical health.

What causes stress? -

Work out what stresses you out, it will be different for each person. Are there lots of little jobs and stressors, or is there one massive task looming over you? *cough* university *cough* Remember even happy times can cause stress. When you work out what is your stressor you can act to change the situation.

Bust that stress! -

So now you know what is stressing you out, we can work to bust the stress.


  1. Identify the trigger - It may be regular issues, a one-off event or an ongoing stressor.
  2. Organise your time - Working out what time of day you work best will allow you to work at a time when your concentration and energy is highest. Make a list of tasks and stick to it. Try to spread mundane tasks out across the day or week. Don't do too much in one go and take regular breaks.
  3. Address the cause of your stress - Whether it's an essay or money worries, addressing the cause will help reduce the stress.
  4. Accept what you can't change - You are only human and can only do a certain amount each day. Do not over-burdened yourself when stressed. Be realistic of your ability.
  5. Build up your resilience to stress - Take time out to relax and do things you enjoy. Spending 5 - 10 minutes 'meditating' or practising mindfullness will allow you to understand and control your emotions more. Take care of yourself, a healthy diet and lifestyle leads to a healthy mind.
  6. Daily Exercise -  15 mins a day will release 'feel good hormones' called endorphins, giving a natural high and fighting damaging stress related hormones. 
  7. Avoid caffeine - Caffeine injects adrenaline, giving a temporary boost but making you more fatigued and depressed later. It increase the levels of stress hormone cortisol in the body, which leads to further ill health.
If stress is really getting you down please seek help from friends, family or a healthcare practitioner. The following website has many links for advice and support if you feel stressed.

Next time - £5 meals :) 

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