Relaxation: More Than A Treat (Part Two)

Busyness or stress can cause many effects on our mental health. The symptoms of the negative effects of busyness and stress include an inability to remember or concentrate, poor judgment, anxiety and constant worrying. The effects of busyness or stress can also be seen with depression or general unhappiness, irritability, anger, or feeling overwhelmed.

When people start feeling any of the above symptoms on an on-going basis, they often feel lonely and isolated. The may start eating more or less, or sleeping too much or too little as a coping mechanism. Some people start to withdraw from others or start procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities to cope. Others use alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax.

Learning to relax effectively is one part of dealing with the effects of busyness and stress on mental health. When we practice awareness and notice how we’re feeling or behaving, we can choose to do something that stops symptoms in their tracks. This can be a walk, exercise or connecting with people. Something that activates the parasympathetic nervous systems relaxation response is even better, like massage, reiki, reflexology, gentle yoga or listening to a guided meditation CD.

Take your first steps to relaxation by noticing what’s happening and deciding to take action. Learn to recognise, through trial and error, what you need at a particular time. It takes practice to build up a self-care tool-kit to manage mental health. It’s well worth it!

For more information contact Tracy from Relax From Stress Holistic Centre on 086-2202734 or visit www.relaxfromstress.ie.

Published in the Connaught Telegraph newspaper on 16 May 2017