Last week I shared my 50 at 50 list. 50 things I plan to do, achieve, enjoy in the next 12 months. What I didn’t share in that list and probably one of the most important things I will do – is to manage my stress.
Admittedly this has been something I’ve been trying to do for a while, definitely since cancer and now cancer-induced menopause, most probably before that when perimenopause hit.
I’ve always thrived on a little bit on stress. Using cortisol to fuel me at times, especially at work. What I didn’t realise was that, although it’s not medically recognised as additive, people can become dependent on the stimulation triggered by cortisol. And maybe I was.
I cannot begin to explain all of the impacts of cortisol, I’m not a doctor. But I also did learn that changes or fluctuations in hormones can exacerbate stress response, and lead to higher cortisol levels. Explains why stress has felt harder to manage at times in menopause.
I’ve also wondered if there was a connection between stress (chronic) and breast cancer. I’m not one to navel gaze and try to work out what I did or didn’t do but I’ve learned that although stress does not cause cancer, chronic stress can impact how our bodies work – persistently high cortisol and adrenaline can lead to inflammation and a weakened immune system. So who knows, I can’t change what has happened in the past but I can take action in the future.
And so I’m focused on, trying to, manage my stress levels and here are 5 go-to actions I use to manage stress.
01
Movement
My biggest stress reliever is going for a run. Running helps me get rid of any excess energy, I use it as a form of mindful movement too (often counting footsteps as a mindful practice). But staying active in general is just as good – a walk, a stretch or even doing a clean or tidy up. It’s amazing what a bit of movement can do to help reset.
02
Journalling
I find putting my thoughts and feelings down on paper a really useful action to reduce overwhelm and overthinking. I love the act of handwriting and it really sometimes feels like a complete brain dump and calms how I’m feeling.
Tip: if you’re feeling stressed, grab a pen/pencil, a bit of paper. Set a timer for 3 mins and just write down how you are feeling – don’t overthink it.
03
Having a bath and escaping into a good book
If ever I want to relax immediately, I have a bath – apparently the warm water helps our bodies relax. And on top of that I try to settle into a good book. I’m switched off from my phone and anything else around me – calm and a bit of escapism does me wonders.
I also add a lovely essential oil blend to help calm and de stress: 2tbsp Almond Oil, 5 drops Clary Sage essential oil, 3 drops Frankincense essential oil, 5 drops Geranium essential oil. Smells great and calms.
For more blends, would recommend this book – Essential Oils by Neals Yard Remedies
04
Tidying / Decluttering
I live in a small flat, I run a tight ship but from time to time it gets a teeny bit messy and that always seems to co-incide with me feeling stressed. Tidying and decluttering my space is so cathartic, it helps put a bit of order back into my life and reduces the stress I’m feeling.
05
Focus on a creative project
Rarely a day goes by without me picking up my knitting needles. I’ve set myself a goal this year to knit something new every month and I really benefit from the calming, repetitive nature of knitting. It also means I’m focused on the knitting and not constant thoughts. Plus I get some new clothes at the end of it!
But it’s not just knitting, I’ve enjoyed getting lost in other creative projects – including making a statement skirt for my party.
I hope some of these actions resonate and feel accessible if you’re going through stress. Let me know anything else you do in the comments below.
April is Stress Awareness Month, here’s some other useful links:
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