Symptoms and strategies

Some signs that your stress levels may be escalating to an uncomfortable degree are:

• Reduced concentration and forgetfulness
• Loss of confidence
• Ongoing feelings of overwhelm, irritability, frustration or resentment
• Anxiety or depression
• Insomnia
• Panic attacks
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath, palpitations, IBS, reduced immunity

Strategies which may help you to manage your stress include:

• Identifying sources of stress, and learn to distinguish between demands that are real, those that are imagined (eg, ‘I must do everything perfectly’)
• Accurately assessing resources: when stressed, people often underestimate their ability to cope; this greatly increases their anxiety
• Acquiring new resources: learn how to delegate, say no, manage your time
• Learning about the fight or flight response; understanding symptoms such as panic attacks can significantly reduce them
• Forming new habits: exercise, cut down on caffeine, prioritise sleep

And most importantly: finding a balance: doing less of the things you feel you ought to, and more of the things you love