10 ways for stressed out Eastern Suburbs women to reduce their stress levels

You know that feeling when it just seems like everything is too much? So much going on – how will you go forward? That feeling of overwhelm which can seem particularly bad in the middle of the night? Our “fight or flight” system is on full and it starts to affect how we react to things that happen or how we treat those we love.

I sometimes struggle with that feeling of pressure even now, having left the corporate world (where it was much worse). I know it is a privilege to live in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. It is a beautiful place to live, there is a lot going on, there are so many opportunities and life is good. But it can also be stressful… lots of traffic, its so hard to get a park, angry busy people, crowds, queues, some people feeling like they are entitled to be ahead of everyone else. There is also an emphasis in these parts on looks and appearance and being “perfectly put together” and having a tidy home and well behaved kids and pets which can start to get you after a while. It can start to feel competitive if you are not careful – all this keeping up with the Jones.

There is also the stress associated with the feeling that you are the one who has to do a lot of work in the domestic sphere alongside other obligations you might have in mid life – ageing parents, more responsibility at work, more going on with the family.

I know there are women all over the world with much better reasons to be stressed than the fortunate women we all are, but telling someone they should stop being stressed and just be grateful is not really helpful.

I think the key to getting stress levels under control is to try to include some stress relieving activities in your week (or every day if you can). Over time your “default” mood will be calmer and you might start to feel less “on edge”. Here are some suggestions:

•Go for a walk – get those walking shoes on and go. A change of scene and some fresh air is always good.

•Do an exercise class – you will be surprised how it can change your outlook. You might start the class feeling wound up and pre occupied but by the end those feelings will be less.

•Find a meditation app you like and listen to a guided relaxation.

•Go for a swim (brrrr) followed by a warm shower. This is exhilarating and at this time of year it certainly makes you feel alive.

•Do a yin yoga class (stretching, breathing, stillness) like the one we have every Thursday at 6.30 am. If you are interested in this please let me know. It is women only and our experienced instructor Crawf Weir is very good at getting you to relax.

•Have a big bubble bath. Maybe even a few candles to set the mood.

•Treat yourself to a massage.

•Listen to music that you love. This can instantly change your mood.

•Write things down. Maybe it’s as simple as a to-do list. Or it might be a few pages in a journal or a letter to someone you love.

•Make a cup of herbal tea (limit caffeine if you can) and sit in the sun for 5 minutes.

What do you do when you feel stress levels rising?