Common Stress Symptoms

Stress affects individuals differently, you may experience mental or physical symptoms and it can even affect how you behave. Stress can manifest itself in muscle pain, headaches, stomach problems like IBS and it can even contribute to a faster heartbeat. 

Some people even struggle to concentrate and find it difficult to make decisions. You may feel worrisome and overwhelmed. Or, you might find that you are easily irritated and snappy, you may even change your eating and drinking habits as well as experiencing disturbed sleep. 

If you are currently experiencing stress and feel overwhelmed, it may be useful to follow the below techniques to try and relieve stress.

Breathing Techniques To Relieve Stress

According to the NHS, following these breathing techniques can significantly help reduce stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. Take a few minutes out from your daily activities to practice this technique - it can be done anywhere. 
 

  • The first step to take is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. This can be sitting down, standing, or laying down on a bed or yoga mat. It is advisable to loosen any restrictive clothing that may impair your breathing.

  • If you chose to carry out this technique sitting down in a chair, then place your arms on the chair arms. If you’re sitting or standing, place both feet flat on the ground. Whatever position you’re in, place your feet roughly hip-width apart.

  • Once you have gotten yourself in a comfortable position: Let your breath flow deep down into your belly

  • Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth

  • Breathe in regularly and gently. You may find it helpful to count from 1 to 5

  • Then, without pausing or holding your breath, let your breath flow out gently. If you were counting on your breath in, count to 5 again.

  • Repeat this for 3 to 5 minutes.

  • If you chose to carry this technique out by lying down,  then place your arms a little bit away from your sides, with the palms up. Let your legs be straight or bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor

Stress Relief Yoga Techniques

We all know that exercise can help manage stress effectively and it helps to clear the mind and allows you to focus and deal with problems more calmly. Yoga has been studied and proven to help aid in the reduction of stress and anxiety.

Yoga allows you to gain awareness of your own body and encourages you to be mindful, not to mention focus. 
You should try to fit 5 minutes of yoga in your morning routine, or even on your lunch break. =Yoga is also effective before bed too! There’s plenty of online resources available so you can become a yoga master in your own home.=

Take Time For Self Care 

Sometimes daily life can get in the way of getting some time for yourself, but it is important to take some time available for a little me time. Try setting aside a couple of nights a week to chill and do what YOU want to do
You could use this time to get active, read a book, or have a relaxing bath with some soothing music.

It is important to take time out and indulge in some self-care. Our favourite way to unwind is to take a long, hot soak in the bath with some stress-relieving products:

RADOX MUSCLE SOAK BUBBLE BATH
NIVEA BATH & SHOWER CREAM