Stress Awareness

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Stress Awareness

24th November 2021 10:16 AM

Author: The Bridge Centre Team

This month we’re looking at stress, what is it, how it affects us, and what we can do about it.

Stress is our body’s response to too much pressure, this could be mental or emotional. When under stress the body releases adrenaline and cortisol which results in the ‘fight or flight’ response. It’s to be expected that we all experience stress from time to time, and in some situations we may even thrive on it, but it’s important to be aware of when stress is causing you problems, and to know that you’re not alone and there are things that can help.

If you’re struggling with stress the effects may be lasting beyond fight or flight, you might be experiencing headaches, mood swings, concentration issues, irritability, sleep problems… the list goes on! There are many things we can do to help ourselves, eating a balanced diet, exercise, and mindfulness, as well as not bottling up how we’re feeling. There are also times though when additional help might be needed, and we’d also recommend speaking to a GP or medical professional.

If after seeking medical advice you’re looking for additional support, there are things that may be able to help alleviate your systems and help you reduce and manage your stress. In this blog we’ll be looking at some of the therapies available at The Bridge Centre.


Talking Therapies

Counselling and Hypnotherapy are two of the most well-known Talking Therapies, which may be able to help you manage stress in your life.

Counselling is a solution-focussed therapy which allows you to speak and be listened to in a safe and non-judgemental environment, whilst working with your therapist to find ways to navigate the difficulties you are experiencing.

Hypnotherapy is simply being in a very relaxed state, in which your therapists will work with you through suggestion to overcome thoughts, habits and behaviours which are affecting your day to day life.

If you regularly find yourself in stressful situations and struggling to cope, Emotional Freedom Technique may be beneficial. Often referred to as acupuncture without the needles, this technique uses the tapping of acupressure points to help bring the body back to balance. One of the many benefits of EFT is that you can practice it anywhere, whenever you’re experiencing stress.

Find out more about Counselling: https://bridgenaturalhealth.co.uk/treatments/counselling/
Find out more about Hypnotherapy: https://bridgenaturalhealth.co.uk/treatments/hypnotherapy-hypnoanalysis/
Find out more about Emotional Freedom Technique: https://bridgenaturalhealth.co.uk/treatments/emotional-freedom-technique-eft/


Massage Therapies

The relaxation benefits of Massage are well known, this relaxation can be both physical and mental. We can hold stress within our bodies through tense muscles, which may be eased by massage techniques, whilst the release of feel-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine may offer a much boost to mental-wellbeing. [1]

Find out more about Massage Therapies: https://bridgenaturalhealth.co.uk/treatments/massage-therapies


Reflexology

Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands that correspond to other parts of the body, and works on the belief that by treating the reflexes and breaking down any blockages, balance can be restored.
Reflexology is highly relaxing and may help with the emotional-side of stress, as well as releasing tension and encouraging rest. [2]

Find out more about Reflexology: https://bridgenaturalhealth.co.uk/treatments/reflexology


Acupuncture

As Acupuncture is a holistic therapy Practitioners look at the client as a whole entity, making it suitable for supporting your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. This holistic approach may be beneficial when it comes to managing stress and how it may manifest in the body both psychologically and physically.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAaC) states that ‘acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being.’ [3]

Find out more about Acupuncture: https://bridgenaturalhealth.co.uk/treatments/acupuncture


Pilates

Pilates is an integrated exercise and movement system that may help improve posture, rehabilitate injury and develop balanced strength and flexibility. Pilates at The Bridge Centre is  offered through a bespoke training programme during either private or semi private sessions.
As well as promoting improved physical fitness and helping relieve stress and tension held in the body, Pilates can also help regulate your mental well-being.

Find out more about Pilates: https://bridgenaturalhealth.co.uk/treatments/pilates

 

If you would like to speak to us about managing stress and any of the complementary therapies outlined above please do get in touch via 01332 521 270 or email us at reception@bridgenaturalhealth.co.uk

 

Links:
[1] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207450590956459?journalCode=ines20
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/what-is-reflexology/faq-20058139
[3] https://acupuncture.org.uk/about-acupuncture/_fact-sheets/stress/

Tags: Acupuncture, counselling, EFT, emotional freedom technique, Hypnotherapy, Massage, Pilates, Reflexology, talking therapies

The views expressed in these blogs are those of the blog authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bridge Centre for Natural Health.

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