Press and Media

8th February 2010

QUINN-healthcare’s top tips for managing stress

Dealing with the stress brought on by changes in financial circumstances can be fraught with difficulties and tension. Many people find that stress is an inhibitor for action – when action is what is needed to reduce stress. So what can you do if you find yourself facing yet another sleepless night?

According to QUINN-healthcare’s Occupational Health Advisor Sarah O’Neill, ‘Changes in our financial circumstances may lead or contribute to health problems such as poor sleep, depression or anxiety. These in turn can negatively affect your long-term health.’

‘But what people forget is that there are several steps you can take to help manage your stress levels in the challenging year ahead’, says Sarah. 

Tips for managing stress

Relaxation

Relaxation is essential to calm anxiety and help your body recover from everyday stress. Make time for a form of relaxation that you enjoy such as listening to music, soaking in a bath or going for a walk in the park. At times of stress try to avoid behaviours that could make the situation worse. For example avoid working late to cope with extra demands or increasing your alcohol consumption as a way to relax.

Exercise

Exercise reduces the levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline in the blood stream, as well as releasing mood-enhancing chemicals. It can help you think more clearly, increase energy levels, alleviate tension, associated muscular pains and headaches.

Laughter

Laughter has been shown to reduce the effects of stress by lowering stress hormones levels. Whereas stress suppresses the immune system, there is evidence to suggest that humour can boost it. Laughter is also thought to have a positive effect on lowering blood pressure.

Changing negative thought patterns

Look at the way you view the world, could your thought patterns be having a negative effect on your stress levels? If you find you are focusing on the negative such as “I can’t cope,” or “ I will never achieve what I need to”, try to replace these negative thoughts with positive statements such as “ I can make it happen,” or “Things don’t have to be perfect.”

Employee Assistance Programs

Many companies offer free, confidential advice to their employees through an employee assistance program (EAP). By speaking to a professional you can get expert advice on how to deal with personal or workplace stressors as well as learning coping strategies to help you deal with difficult times in the future.

Visit your GP

Talk to your GP, especially if your stress levels have been elevated over a long period of time. People with high stress levels are more likely to have a heart attack or  stroke, and to have lowered immune systems. Request a full health check with your GP and explain your concerns. Discuss treatment options with your doctor if natural methods and lifestyle changes have not been successful.

Advisory Bodies

If financial or legal concerns are keeping you awake at night, there are several associations who can offer advice and direction:

Try contacting MABS.ie (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) the community based non-profit debt counselling organisation

Contact the Citizens Information Board website for employment, housing or legal advice www.citizensinformation.ie

Contact your bank manager to discuss alternative options in loan or mortgage repayments.