Free classes to help the NI public deal with stress are set to begin this month.
Stress is the feeling of being unable to cope as a result of too much mental or emotional pressure, with Stress Awareness Day taking place on Wednesday, November 2.
It can affect our physical health as well as our mental health and wellbeing.
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The Public Health Agency (PHA) say the common signs of stress can include sleeping problems, sweating, loss of appetite and difficulty concentrating.
"You may feel anxious, irritable, experience racing thoughts, worry constantly or go over things in your head," a spokesperson added.
Shauna Houston from the PHA said: “We are all experiencing incredibly challenging times, especially now with the cost of living crisis. This brings anxiety and stress into our home life, can affect our work and relationships with friends and family.
“Stress causes a surge of hormones in our bodies. These stress hormones are released to enable use to deal with pressures or threats – the so-called 'fight or flight' response. People have different ways of reacting to stress. We may lose our temper more easily, drink more alcohol or act unreasonably. People sometimes experience headaches, muscle tension or pain, or dizziness and fatigue. Sometimes when stress is severe or prolonged, it can lead to burnout, with extreme emotional and physical exhaustion.”
The PHA explained how one of the most effective models to help deal with stress and wellbeing recommended for people of all ages and lifestyles is to ‘Take the 5 Steps to Wellbeing’ – connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give.
The following are examples how to 'Take 5' to help tackle stress:
- Connect – meet with friends and family, and take the time during to talk about how you are feeling and listen to others. Aim be more aware of friends and family and how they are feeling – are they showing signs they are stressed?
- Give – people tend to cope with stress differently, so sharing personal experiences of coping might also help you and someone else deal with stress better.
- Be active – exercising helps to minimise the impact of stress on the body and mind. It helps to improve sleep, balance hormones, increase endorphins and fosters relaxation. Even if it’s a gentle walk in the park, a cycle, gardening or even housework, it can count as physical activity.
- Keep learning – explore self-help toolkits and learn new skills to help you cope better with stress. Take part in the free online stress control classes available on www.ni.stresscontrol.org
- Take notice – stop, pause and take a moment to be still and look around you, focus on your breathing. Also consider reducing your time watching the news and browsing social media if it is having a negative impact. Try to become aware of what triggers tend to cause stress and anxiety and think about reducing these stress triggers. Look at the ways that stress begins and then aim to resolve those with coping strategies.
The free online stress control course lasts for six weeks.
Shauna added: “On Monday 14 November, why not take part in the free online stress control classes which are supported by the PHA. The course lasts for six weeks and each class is 90 minutes long. Each one is available on demand to view online at a time that suits participants for a limited time.
“The classes explore what stress looks like, provides tips and tools to help control your body, your thoughts, actions and panicky feelings. It also provides advice on ways to get a good night’s sleep.
“The ultimate goal of the course, is that it will boost your overall wellbeing and teach you the skills to become your own therapist to help you manage your stress.
“Another advantage of the free online stress control class, is that you can take part from the comfort of your own home, offering privacy and confidentiality. There are no requirements to register on login.”
To find out more about the classes and dates visit www.ni.stresscontrol.org.
For resources and self-help tools, including Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing and the Steps to Deal with Stress booklet, which provides tips and practical advice on coping with stress, recognising stress, learning from bad experiences and how to take action visit www.mindingyourhead.info.
If you or someone you know is experiencing issues with alcohol and/ or drug misuse, information on support services in your local area can be found at www.DrugsAndAlcoholNI.info.
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