Do you recognise that? Besides a busy working day, incoming messages on WhatsApp and having to meet deadlines, you have to do housework when you get home. Day in and day out, these factors cause building stress. Does this feeling become too much for you? Then you may suffer from tense shoulders and headaches. Then you would prefer to just crawl into your bed at night. But what consequences can stress have and how can we make sure we experience less stress? You can read more about this in this blog.
What is stress?
Stress arises because the carrying load becomes greater than the carrying capacity. The contributing factors and the degree of severity are different for everyone. When we experience stress, our bodies are in the highest state of alertness. We are a lot sharper and go about our business a lot more efficiently. But the longer this feeling lasts, it can take a negative turn. That limit is different for everyone.
If stress is negative, you have more difficulty concentrating and staying on task. It can throw you off balance mentally. Do you notice that this is the case? Then it is time to take action.
What are the symptoms of stress?
Every kind of complaint resulting from negative stress is different for everyone. One may suffer from headaches, another from tense muscles and yet another may have an incredibly short fuse. Stress can therefore manifest itself in both physical complaints and psychological complaints. Below are some examples of such complaints:
Physical symptoms
- Dizziness
- Tense neck, shoulder or arm muscles
- (Chronic) fatigue or sleep problems
- Lack of energy
- Headache/migraine
- Respiratory problems
- Panic attacks
- Constipation/diarrhoea
- Stomach pain/nausea
Psychological symptoms
- Reduced concentration/concentration loss
- Difficulty making choices
- More difficulty in processing stimuli
- Peak
- Negative thinking
- Uncertainty/anxiety
- Loneliness
- Less self-confidence
. Depression
Preventing stress? Read these tips
By the time you experience stress, it is usually too late. Often, you are then already in the middle of the process and the first symptoms start to surface. To catch this in time, we have put together a short checklist for you:
1. Provide relaxation
Our bodies can cope well with short periods of stress. This is healthy stress. If you alternate these short periods with relaxation, our body gets enough rest to recover for a while. For instance, laughing and having fun is healthy. Above all, look for moments like this. That way, you can get back on track!
2. Keep moving
Regular exercise helps to clear your head properly. For example, take a walk or go for a run. Here, it is important to focus on that activity as much as possible. What do you see during your outing? This prevents you from thinking about work and really clears your head.
3. Get enough sleep
A good night's sleep gives you more energy and allows you to handle problems and challenges better the next day. Try to get eight hours of sleep and also ensure adequate relaxation before bedtime. For example, don't look at a screen or television for an hour before bedtime.
4. Keep your thoughts under control
Put your own thoughts in order by writing them down. What is currently going on in your life? What is on your mind? This will clear your head and give you a good overview. This will give you back control over everything that is going on in your life. You will see for yourself what is really important and what has less priority.
5. Watch your diet and sugar intake
When stressed, your body becomes unbalanced. To keep your body balanced, a healthy diet is important. Try to avoid sugar as much as possible. Do not eat sweets and unhealthy snacks. Also avoid white bread, alcohol and soft drinks.
6. Say 'no' once
In the short term, there is no harm in saying 'yes' by adding one small task, for example. In the long run, saying 'yes' all the time can make you overworked. So don't overdo it.
7. Don't compare yourself to others
With the influence of social media, we are constantly bombarded with the lives of others. Don't compare yourself to their situation and try to make your own happiness. Pursuing an ideal image can have quite an impact on your mental health.
Psychosomatic physiotherapy for stress-related complaints
With Psychosomatic physiotherapy you will feel more comfortable again. The psychosomatic physiotherapist specialises in treating tension, stress or misunderstood physical complaints. The therapist looks at the physical complaints as well as the psychological complaints and social aspects of the patient. The therapist looks at where the complaints come from, how the body reacts to them and gives you insight into this.
Together, the psychosomatic physiotherapist will perform one or more of the treatment methods listed below. This is often a combination of:
- Breathing and relaxation therapy
- Awareness of feeling, emotion and tension
- Posture and movement therapy
- Mindfulness
- Improving heart rhythm through positive emotions
Are you experiencing stress-related symptoms? Then contact FriskFysio
Do you suffer from any of the above complaints and can't get rid of them? Then you can contact contact us at 085-5000333 or send an email to info@friskfysio.nl.
