See how stress can be curbed.

 

 

 

 

How to recognise stress?

• problems sleeping or excessive tiredness
• lack of appetite or eating too much
• feeling sad, irritable and tearful
• drinking too much alcohol
• losing temper easily
• headaches and general pains

Stress is part of all our lives. Often it's what makes us get up in the morning.
"I'm stressed," is a phrase often used to describe the feeling of having too much to do, a deadline to meet or a big life change to prepare for.
It can be triggered by a busy job, the death of a loved one or money problems - or even following a happy event such as the birth of a baby.
It's something we all experience at some point - and it can make us feel irritable, tired and unable to relax.
But when stress becomes a constant, overwhelming presence that affects how our bodies work and how we function, then it's time to take steps to manage it.
The first step is to recognize that you are stressed and then decide you need to make changes to your life to control your feelings.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends talking to friends and family about your feelings, breaking down problems into smaller parts that are easier to deal with and looking after your physical health.

It says: "Simple things like making time to eat regular meals helps avoid low sugar levels caused by skipping meals, which can affect how you feel mentally as well as physically."
And it's a good idea to keep tabs on what you are drinking and how much you are smoking because these can get out of control when stress kicks in.
Experts say making time for exercise is crucial - because it's a way of venting emotions that have been internalised and producing hormones called endorphins that make you feel good.
Keeping a diary of stressful feelings and noting down the triggers is also a positive step.