Top Tips: How to manage stress

10Mar10

With today’s hectic pace of life we all suffer from stress from time-to-time – especially if you’re running your own business. All the symptoms of stress are caused by your body producing the hormone adrenaline. This is part of the ‘flight or fight’ response which is necessary for our survival. We tend to react to life as if it were full of danger and this keeps our adrenaline levels high.

When I delivered a workshop to designer-makers this March at Cockpit Arts I highlighted two very effective ways to lower the level of adrenaline in the body and to manage the symptoms of stress:

Exercise By exercising the body naturally burns up the excess adrenaline. When we exercise our body releases endorphins which make you feel ‘good’. You don’t have to plan an hour at the gym, just a brisk 20 minute walk will make all the difference. If you are going out for a walk, it is very useful to allow your arms to swing freely by your side, as this acts to rebalance the left/right hemispheres of your brain.
Relaxation When you take time out to relax, whether it’s self hypnosis, yoga, meditation or just daydreaming, you give your body chance to balance out the adrenaline in your system. By relaxing and slowing down your breathing, you send messages to your brain that all is well and there is no danger so the adrenaline ‘switch’ can be turned right down. So take some time out and sit quietly, focusing on your breathing, really feel yourself breathing, and by making the out breath longer than the in breath you balance the oxygen levels in your blood, leading to a greater feeling of relaxation.

About the Author

Selina Allan DHyp PDHyp BSCH is a clinical hypnotherapist with over three years experience and specialises in stress management. For further information visit: www.thestableclinic.co.uk

Selina has delivered several well received workshops at Cockpit Arts for designer-makers and creative business owners on: Overcoming Stress and Unlocking Creativity. Find out more about the Making It workshops and seminars we deliver.

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