Hi I’m Sarah and I’m a total stress head. There, I’ve said it! As it’s #stressawarenessday I wanted to admit to it and share some ways to help manage the overwhelm.

Here are some (not so helpful) things I’m really good at. How many of these relate to you?

• I’m very good at beating myself up and saying unkind things to myself
• I excel in unnecessary anxiety
• I overanalyse and procrastinate over the smallest things
• I always try and do too much and fit in ‘just one more thing’
• When I stand in front of a mirror, my first thought is to see how far my tummy is sticking out
• I keep trying to be perfect. I strive to do well in everything I turn my attention to – work, home life, friendship, being a ‘good military wife’.

Does any of this sound familiar?

I know my mental state has directly contributed to my physical symptoms. Learning to let go of striving for perfection has been a huge journey. Most of the time I can manage this but sometimes I’ll wonder why things are building up again and I’ll realise I’ve set unrealistic and unattainable expectations. *DEEP BREATH* Cue some tapping and repeating various phrases such as “It’s OK to be me” and “My best is good enough”. Of course, I’m only human and sometimes it gets too much and only a good cry/rant/long hot bath will do.

HOW CAN I HELP YOU?

Stress levels, anxiety and pressure affect us all and I share this list because I am well qualified to help you in your own unique and wonderful way.

Working both physically and emotionally I can help you, your children, your friends & family be truly listened to. Using kinesiology we can find out what the body says is going on (it often isn’t what you’d expect) and what is needed to rebalance.

Let me help you unpick what’s going on in your life, mind and body and work with you to create a personal plan back to wellness and feeling back in control.

THINGS THAT CAN HELP

• Remembering to practice self-care – taking a moment, deep breaths, affirmations, quietening the monkey mind
• Reminding yourself that THERE IS NO PERFECT! You cannot be all things to all people so start focussing on the things YOU want to do the most
• Scribbling down thoughts in a diary
• Having a long hot bath (my husband practically runs up the stairs to draw me a bath when he knows I’m feeling stressed bless him)
• Talking to someone – whether it’s a friend or a therapist, you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel once it’s out there and you can work through it

On Stress Awareness Day, take a moment to put yourself first. Think about what’s bothering you the most – is there anything you can do about it, anyone to talk to about it or anything that can help? If you’ve found yourself nodding to anything written above, get in touch to find out how I can help you feel stronger again.

Here’s a link to a previous article with some more practical advice to help: www.thrivehealthwellness.co.uk/stress-and-adrenal-fatigue/