It’s Stress Awareness month! If you haven’t seen my post here about Stress Awareness month and the stress awareness takeover, then go and check it out so that you can see what is going on!
Hi, I’m Louise and I blog at Pink Pear Bear about parenting, postnatal depression, anxiety, fashion, my not always great attempts at cooking and I also share some of my many many many photos of our days out and about on Instagram. I’m also the proud owner of some very bright unicorn hair. When we’re not planning our next camper van trip, we can mostly be found getting muddy out in the country or eating cake. Sometimes both at the same time! Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
1.) Do you suffer with stress frequently or occasionally?
I’d say frequently. I am a worrier and I suffer from anxiety too which can be debilitating although I’m much more in control of it then I used to be.
2.) What sort of things cause you stress?
Oh everything! It’s probably the kids top of the list, mainly that they are ok and that I am going a good job, and then work. I also worry about friendships sometimes too. Usually I will have a ‘distraction worry’ so I’ll find myself really fretting about something small and if I did a bit deeper, I’ll realise that it’s my mind trying to avoid the big thing that is really worrying me.
3.) Does anything in particular make stress worse for you? For example, workplace pressure or lack of understanding from friends/family that stress is a real mental health issue.
I’m not sure really. My husband is very understanding and my friends too. I probably wouldn’t talk to my parents that much about it, I’m not sure why.
4.) Does stress have an impact on your physical health?
Yes I think so, when I’m really anxious, I can’t sleep and I also get palpitations.
5.) What do you do to alleviate stress?
I know what I should do but actually doing it is another matter! Running is an amazing thing for me, I can leave the house ready to scream at the kids and run back in like Mother Teresa, doling out love and gentle kisses! Talking always helps too. I often have to force myself into it but once I do, it helps me unravel my thoughts and tackle them.
6.) Do you think more needs to be done to raise awareness of what causes stress and the impact it has on us and those around us? If yes, what would you do or like to see done?
I think stress has become almost commonplace now and is bandied around left right and centre so much that it’s almost lost its meaning. Stress is a killer, the strain it can put on your heart is unreal and it’s also miserable to live at such a high level of worry. This is a great series to help raise awareness and smash the stigma around it.
7.) Do you have any tips for anyone dealing with stress?
First of all, admit that you are suffering. Then right down all the things that are worrying you and then put them in order of severity. After that, work out some solutions to the issues and work your way through them. I always find that when I take practical steps to tackle to issue head on, it’s far less scary. I also recommend getting outdoors, running or walking, and having a digital detox for an hour or so by leaving your phone at home. I think a lot of the reason we’re so stressed is that we have a constant reminder of all the things we needed to do yesterday in our pocket! Also, talk to someone!
Thanks Lou! If you want to see more about stress awareness then please search ‘stress awareness’ to read all the posts throughout April.
