Stress

Every time you smoke your body produces adrenaline, the ‘fight-or-flight’ hormone, that actually makes you more stressed, it raises you blood pressure and increases you heart rate. So you might think that a cigarette helps you cope with stress but it actually does the opposite. If you would normally reach for a cigarette when you feel stressed try some of the tips below.

Tips for coping with stress:

• Work it off by taking a walk in the fresh air or a run around the house.
• Talk to someone you really trust.
• Learn to accept what you cannot change.
• Don’t self-medicate with alcohol, cannabis, too much coffee or tranquillizers.
• Get enough sleep and rest to recharge your batteries.
• Take time out for activities that you really enjoy or try out some new ones such as yoga, Tai Chi, aromatherapy.
• Doing something for others can make you feel good too.
• Take one thing at a time.
• Sometimes it’s best to agree with someone instead of life being a constant battleground. 
• Prioritise your day ahead and only do the things you have to do.
• Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’.
• Plan ahead by saying ‘no’ now.
• If you are ill, don’t try to carry on as if you’re not.
• Develop a hobby. It’s important to have time out from your family and your work.     
• Only you can change the way you react to stress.  Think creatively about how to manage your life better and get on with it!
• Eating good meals at regular times will help your mood.
• Use a stress reduction technique every day, such as deep breathing. 
• Know when you are tired and do something about it.
• Delegate responsibility. A few minutes spent getting someone else to help you will be time well spent if it makes your day less hectic.
• Be realistic about what you can achieve. Forget perfection.