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Shrug off the January blues
Don't let the stress of the credit crunch or excesses of Christmas get you down
Feeling stressed, under the weather? Are you irritable, tired, unable to think clearly and maybe suffering a few more health problems than normal?
If you answered yes then you may have case of the January blues. January is a notoriously stressful month and, with the addition of all the panic and stress of the credit crunch, this is a month when most people's stress levels are raised, resulting in a number of physical
symptoms. So what can you do to offset stress?
Recognise your symptoms of stress. The signs of stress are many. Any health problem can be exacerbated by stress. Stress itself can bring
irritability, being more emotional, raised heart rate or palpitations, headaches, muscular stress, short-term memory loss, fatigue and insomnia, to name but a few. Always get any serious
symptoms checked by a health professional.
Once you have recognised the signs of stress, resolve to do something about it. Eat well incorporating foods which are high in
antioxidants which can reduce the damage on the body from stress – lots of vegetables, fruit, lean proteins such as fish, especially oily fish, nuts and seeds and wholegrains. Have a minimal amount of alcohol or stay off the alcohol for a few weeks (a glass of red wine daily however is recommended for its high antioxidant level) and drink water daily.
Exercise is great for burning off the hormones that surge through the body when you are stressed and for raising the 'feelgood'
endorphins. Exercise can also help reduce the feeling of sluggishness and raise mental alertness.
Any form of physical activity that raises the heart rate for at least 20 minutes is suitable but most people find walking, sport, dance, yoga or exercise to music particularly beneficial.
Sort issues out. Don't bury your head in the sand hoping problems will go away – they won't, and they will add to your stress load. If you are having relationship, financial or health problems, face them and address them. Get professional help if necessary.
Get some advice about using some natural supplements that may assist stress levels.
Traditionally, supplements such as ginseng, rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha and threonine are used, and a B complex may also assist stress and fatigue. Speak to a nutritional therapist or get professional help.
Directory: MIND, mental health charity www.bedsandluton
mind.org.uk 01525 844160; Relate, relationship counselling www.relate.org.uk; NHS advice: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Stress; Body toning workouts Kempston and Bedford 01234 838880; Pumpernickel health store www.pumpernickel-online.co.uk 01234 348179; Donna Milligan, nutritional therapy and wellness MOTs www.scio-wellness.com 01234 838880.
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Weather for Bedford
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
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