Tips For Coping With Stress

Stress Awareness Month

Stress is a global issue that at some point has affected us all. Whether it be money problems, work issues, or just everyday life that's getting you down. Our bodies are intelligent but don’t react well when we’re feeling pressured or threatened. Essentially stress is our bodies activating fight or flight mode which can cause us to ache, lose sleep or motivation and basically break down. As most of your are probably aware, April is the month for stress awareness and has been since the early 90’s, so I've decided to talk you through how I combat stress.

#1 Aromatherapy is a form of holistic therapy that uses plant materials and essential oils designed to help you feel more grounded and balanced both emotionally and physically. Aromatherapy can be expensive but there are plenty of ways you can experience it at home and when you’re trying to de-stress being surrounded by your home comforts can make it so much easier.

Aromatherapy Associates, a leading brand in aromatherapy products offer a De-Stress Muscle Gel . Containing rosemary, black pepper, lavender and ginger this best selling product soothes aching muscles on the go or at home. Once it’s applied to muscles and joints it works to cool the aches first then heats the muscles over time to leave you feeling relaxed for longer. Headaches are a massive sign of stress, caused by tension in the muscles. This De-Stress Gel can be rubbed into the back of the neck for relief.

#3 Have a bath or shower, shave do what you have to to make sure your body and your mind are feeling clean. Try using lavender shaving cream. Lavender has so many amazing benefits to it and one of the most popular is helping you to relax, it also reduces, acne scarring and its known for its cleaning properties so Whip up a rich, creamy lather with Vulfix Wild Lavender Luxury Shaving Cream. Ideal for treating yourself to a super smooth shave.

#2 Sleep is so important to our bodies, without it our brains don’t function. Unfortunately, stress can be a major implication when it comes to getting a good night sleep. It's a vicious cycle, lack of sleep leads to feeling stressed because our bodies are feeling blurred, stress then causes us to worry and become overtired meaning we spend all night tossing and turning.

There are loads of things you can do to help you drift off, I have a before routine that allows my body to wind down the way it should.

Staring at a screen before bed can sabotage your good night's sleep. This is because it keeps your brain active and stimulated. Every screen you look at whether it be a computer or a phone emits an LED bluish light. This can trick your body and mind into thinking it’s not time to rest. It is recommended that you turn off or don’t look at your devices up to 2 hours before you aim to go to bed.

There is a lot of speculation around how much sleep a person should have. For an average adult it is advised between 7-9 hours sleep every night. It varies from person to person but I always go for a happy medium and aim for 8 hours sleep. Too much sleep can be just as bad for you as not enough. Too much sleep can increase health risks from diabetes to heart disease, not to mention leaving you feeling groggy when you eventually wake up the next day.

Make sure you’re bedroom is a cooler temperature, it is advised to have your bedroom between 18-21 degrees celsius. Having a cooler temperature in your bedroom helps your body to maintain a consistent temperature which will help you to avoid night sweats that can ultimately lead to insomnia.

The right vitamins can help you on your journey to a restored sleeping patterns. Magnesium is known for helping people who suffer from insomnia drift off at night. Magnesium increases your GABA levels. GABA levels are responsible for relaxation, lack of GABA can cause you to be restless and agitated. I take KIKI HEALTH Magnesium Oil Spray. The best way to take magnesium is through an oil as its easier for your body to absorb. All you need to do is spritz a bit onto your skin, after a bath or shower and let your body benefit from it.

#4 I realise you can’t always go and have a bath or a nap when you’re feeling stressed that's why i carry Intelligent Nutrients Destress Express Hair And Oil Treatment with me wherever I go. This product can be used in so many ways. Firstly it can be used as a bath oil to make you feel comforted and relieved from your worries. Secondly it acts as a decongestant, just add a drop to a bowl of water and inhale the oils, or spray on a tissue. Finally it can cool, deodorise and add shine to your hair. Made from organic essential oils this product is a must have for any stress filled man.

Explore the products listed in this blog here.