Experiencing stressful situations is nothing new for the fire and rescue services community and coping with these feelings of stress and anxiety in our everyday lives may, at times, feel overwhelming.
But there are some simple techniques you can try to not only relax your body, but your mind too.
Here, our Psychological Services Lead, Jane Rosso, shares some advice for coping with stress, and we have also included some relaxation and Tai Chi meditation videos for you to try.
Are you stressed?
First of all, if you are feeling stressed, know that this is perfectly normal.
It’s worth noting that some stress can be good for us; it can protect us from threats, help us escape from danger and enhance our performance by temporarily changing our physiology.
But while these physiological changes are excellent in the short term, if we feel continually stressed it can upset our health and wellbeing, creating pressure on our minds, bodies and relationships that previously weren’t there.
Stress manifests differently in all of us. Our perception of stressful events is unique to us as individuals, so our reactions can be varied. Common physical symptoms include headaches or dizziness, muscle tension, stomach problems, chest pain or increased heartbeat and sexual problems. While mental symptoms can include a difficulty concentrating, struggling to make decisions, feeling overwhelmed, worrying, or being forgetful. It can also affect our behaviour, making us snappy or irritable, unable to sleep, overeat (remember stressed is desserts spelt backwards) avoiding places or people, or drinking or smoking more.
The NHS has a fantastic mood self-assessment online, which may help you understand how you or a member of your household has been feeling recently.
What can we do about stress?
The good news is that we can take proactive steps to change how we react to things beyond our control, reducing our stress levels and regaining balance. Here are a few tips to help.
Accept the unchangeables: We cannot change the unpredictability of life, so accept what you cannot change and try to look forward.
Control the controllables: Focus your efforts into areas you can influence by looking at what you can do instead of what you can’t. You can’t control challenges at work, but you can be empathetic and considerate to people and you can choose to maintain a routine, for the benefit of your physical and mental health.
Nourish your relationships: Start spending quality time with those closest to you. And be creative in the activities you do together.
Talk to your children: Stress isn’t exclusive to adults and many children will be feeling stressed or upset. Take the time to chat to the younger members of your family.
Believe in yourself: Stress affects our self-esteem and likes to tell us we aren’t good enough. But this isn’t true, you are good enough! Focus on your strengths and skills. Ask yourself what you’re good at, we bet it’s more than you think. Consider how you could use some of the special things that make you you. Brush the dust off old parts of yourself you may have forgotten.
Strive for balance: Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to take some time out and give yourself a break by focusing on your mind, body and soul. Exercise either at home or out and about, find yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi tutorials online, get out into your garden or grow herbs on a windowsill, play music you love, be creative, and take time to notice the good things in your life. We’ve also produced three relaxation videos which you can watch below.
Laugh: Laughter is very good for alleviating stress. Watch a funny film or comedy show, listen to a funny podcast, or even join an online laughter yoga group. Phone the person who makes you laugh more than anyone else in the world and enjoy each other’s company.
Take on a challenge: Learn a new hobby or pick up an old one. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but never found the time to? Whatever sparks your interest, take this opportunity to learn and grow. And why not consider raising funds for The Fire Fighters Charity in the process with a Fire Family Challenge?
Here’s a simple Tai Chi routine you could try out, whether you would prefer to do it standing or sitting.
Visit our Health and Wellbeing library to find more mental health resources.
Register for My Fire Fighters Charity
The Fire Fighters Charity is here to support you, so if you would like to talk to someone confidentially, call us on 0800 389 8820 or complete an enquiry online.
We’re all in this together.