Managing stress, for your mind

In the short-term, our response to stressors (physical and environmental) protects us from harm and can be positive, especially when there is a resolution to the stress.

Whereas chronic, un-resolved or severe stress is detrimental to our health and can lead to: sleep disorders, high BP, cardiovascular disease, obesity, brain changes and decreased cognition.

It can be difficult to choose our response to some stressors because we may be wired and heavily influenced from very early or traumatic experiences. This increases the risk of depression, substance abuse, obesity and sleep issues and, therefore, chronic conditions which can impact premature ageing of the brain.

Stress and cognition

Stress also causes us to not think clearly and impacts our memory and ability to recall details, all of which can affect our daily work and family life.

Our negative past experiences and life events may subconsciously affect our health and wellbeing in the present moment and increase our worries about the future.

Managing stress and practising being in the moment are important habits to make part of our everyday life, to improve cognition and decrease risk to many chronic health conditions.

❤️‍🩹Make time for self-care, you and your health are important

🤝Don’t over schedule yourself, take your time to be present and live in your experiences

✔️No multi-tasking, just do one thing at a time so you can do it well

📃Use lists, helping to plan and unclutter your brain

🤳🏼Unplug from technology, social media can be all-consuming

🌳Exercise every day, especially outside in nature

💤Get adequate sleep, so your brain and body can rest, repair and recoup

🆘Reach out for help when you need it

☮️Find your peace