Many of us are finding it challenging in some way at the moment, whether that’s work overload, juggling family needs, or feeling isolated without purpose. I wanted to share with you all how stress on our mind and body can affect us and my tops tips of practices we can do to look after ourselves and stay happy and healthy.

Is stress mental or physical?

Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Stress is a normal part of life. You can experience stress from your environment, your body, and your thoughts.

What happens to our minds and bodies when we feel stress?

Your body is hard-wired to react to stress in ways meant to protect you against threats from predators and other aggressors. Such threats, unfortunately, are happening to us at the moment. As a result we may feel as if we're constantly under attack. But we can fight back and we don't have to let stress control our livse.

How our bodies natural stress respense affects our mental and phsyical health

When you encounter a perceived threat such as a shock to the system — your hypothalamus, a tiny region at your brain's base, sets off an alarm system in your body. Through a combination of nerve and hormonal signals, this system prompts your adrenal glands, located atop your kidneys, to release a surge of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.

Adrenaline increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure and boosts energy supplies. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream, enhances your brain's use of glucose and increases the availability of substances that repair tissues.

Cortisol also curbs functions that would be nonessential or detrimental in a fight-or-flight situation. It alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system, the reproductive system and growth processes. This complex natural alarm system also communicates with the brain regions that control mood, motivation and fear.

How stress can manifest itself mentally

Depression or anxiety.
Anger, irritability, or restlessness.
Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unfocused.
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
Racing thoughts or constant worry.
Problems with your memory or concentration.
Making bad decisions.

How stress can manifest itself phsyically

Digestive problems
Headaches
Heart disease
Weight gain

My top tips for dealing with stress for a healthy mind and body

Eat a healthy diet - make sure you are having a healthy dose of vegetables and immune-boosting superfoods.
Spend time creating some yummy food - take up baking or cooking something new and fun.
Get some form of regular/daily exercise - even if it’s just 30 minutes a day outside or an online class.
Have enough sleep - at least 6 to 7 hours of good quality sleep, try using essential oil blends or burning some oils in the bedroom before going to bed. I recommend De Mamiel Sleep Series or Aromatherapy Associates Light or Deep Relax Bath and shower oils. Use them when you take a bath in the evening or apply to your pulse points with wet hands. For sleep tips visit my blog post Are You Having Trouble Sleeping.
Practicing relaxation techniques - try yoga, pilates, practicing deep breathing, or learning to meditate. Every week I host group Self Care Sessions via Zoom - a space to connect and learn mindfulness and massage techniques. All sessions are pay what you can afford.
Have a digital detox - take some time off from staring at a screen - try reading a book or listening to music
Connect with family and friends - making some time to laugh and having some fun on-line.
Brain-dump - put all your worries and thoughts down on paper or visualising them going into a box or file, so you can go to them when you are ready.
Try not to take on too much - but aim to achieve at least one thing a day to help keep you feeling motivated.

These are all things that have really helped me during this time and I hope they will also help you. Remember - it’s important now, more than ever to be kind and gentle to ourselves, take each day as it comes, try to embrace the slower pace of life and prioritise your self care.

How Stress Affects the Mind and Body and how to treat it