Top tips to reduce stress!

Below is a guest post from Dan!How To Manage Stress?

One of the most important questions we have to ask ourselves (but we aren’t doing it), is how do you manage stress. Today, stress has become a part of our routine and we aren’t paying attention to how to manage it, but we are definitely paying attention to it. Talking about how stressed you are and not doing anything is like looking at the burning bed and doing nothing. Soon it will spread to the bedroom, then the entire floor and in the end, it will burn the entire house down. The same thing is with stress. You will notice that you are stressed and you will continue doing your chores. Then you will notice that it is harder to handle the stress but still won’t do a thing about it. The last step is completely stressing out when the stress will be too much for you to handle.

So, to avoid that situation you have to learn how to manage stress and how to keep it under control. If you think you don’t have to do anything about it you are wrong, because it is never too early to start dealing with stress.

You don’t have to do much. You can find some activity which will help you release negative energy. That can be some recreation like yoga, jogging or swimming. If you aren’t a fan of that, you can always find someone to hang out with. Beer, friends and a Tornado foosball table are a great anti-stress therapy, just like reading a book if you are a bookworm. There are numerous situations you can make your anti-stress therapy. Just do whatever relaxes you and you will have stress under control.

If you aren’t sure you can recognize stress, the best way to do that is by learning about it. Stress is a natural body reaction and it affects every person on earth, the only difference is that some feel it more intense. If you are willing to learn more about stress, how it starts and how to handle it, read this infographic about stress.

Infographic source:
http://www.foosballzone.com/how-to-manage-stress-during-life-in-college/

An anxiety-reducing blanket | AD

The other day I received a blanket in the post. However, it's not just any normal blanket but one that claims to help with anxiety. I don't know about you, but I have seen these blankets advertised around for a while and they seem to be fairly new to the market in terms of anxiety remedies.The blanket that I received weighs 15lb which is just over a stone and about 10% of my body weight (which they recommend) These claim to reduce anxiety by making you feel safe, calm and acting as a hug. I did begin to wonder how a blanket was able to do all of this and I wasn't the only one, my partner was sceptical too. But, I'm always willing to give things a try. 

I was completely surprised. I had the best sleep in a long time after using the blanket for just one night. I must admit that it is first of all, extremely comfortable albeit being very heavy. It has improved my sleep immensely and keeps you warm, especially at this time of year. It's not noisy either, if you're a person who moves around a lot like myself. I've been using the blanket for around two to three weeks now and I still definitely notice an improvement in my sleep and the comfort of such. My partner also agrees - it's often difficult to get him out of bed when he's wrapped up in it. The blanket also provides another function; to make you feel calm and relaxed, which not only can I attribute to my improvement of sleep but it certainly does help when you begin to feel anxious. It's hard to describe but the weight of blanket gives you that feeling of safety which in turn makes you feel less anxious - just trust me on this! 

I would definitely recommend the blanket as it certainly has improved my sleep, comfort and anxiety. It's not a cure to anxiety, as of course you can't take the blanket everywhere with you...but it does certainly give you moments where you can relax and be comfortable. If anything, it is a superior blanket and for it's price, I'm not sure you could find something similar. 

If you're interested, you can find out more, here and purchase the blanket via amazon, here.

My year in review 2017

Ever since I started my blog, I have done a year in review - basically where I look back at this past year. 

This year has had some big periods of change. Back in January I was in my final year of university and president of my university's mental health society. At that time too, my Mum got the news that they had found a kidney for her and that she was to go ahead for her second kidney transplant - this was two days before my first exam! It was a period of high stress for obvious reasons, but safe to say both Mum and I made it through, even though we had to be miles apart during this time. 

I continued to study for my exams throughout the year and as a result I graduated with first class honours in Law. I cried when I saw this result and so did Mum! I was so proud of myself and all of the hard work I put in. Graduation day was one of the best day I have experienced too. Now, I'm onto another course to help me advance in my career. 

I got my second paid job over the Summer, in a customer facing role which I am still in now, whilst I go through the process of my dream career (soon to be revealed!) It's not exactly where I want to be in terms of a job, but it is a process I must go through whilst I advance in my career. It has broken down many anxiety barriers too, which I am grateful for.

My new job has allowed me to move into my first flat with my partner, which is an entirely new experience; bills, council tax, food shopping, sharing a small space...it's all a learning experience, but I'm glad I made the decision as I wanted to be independent. 

Amongst other small achievements, family issues and mental health blips, it's been a pretty good year. As I grow older, the better I feel I can handle past life events. It hasn't been a year without depression and anxiety and other mental health issues, but it hasn't been one of the most severe in terms of this either. Next year is full of uncertainty and that is why I am taking it one day at a time because if I think too far ahead, then my brain goes into meltdown! 

I just want to end this post by wishing you all a lovely Christmas and the best in your recovery. Mental health can be extremely tough at times, especially at this time of year, but please hold on to the mystery that is life and the wonderful things that can happen. Remember that you do have the strength to get through the hard times - you've survived every bad day yet. I know these words may be fluffy, but I too have experienced the darkest depths and know that it's possible to be on the road to recovery, so hold on!

What are your big moments of this year?

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!