Derval O'Rourke: Recipe for a powerhouse chocolate and coconut flapjacks snack (2024)

Now we know that stress cannot just affect your mental health, but your physical health too. So, let’s look at some ways to keep your stress in check.

I also have a delicious snack recipe from Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Cathy Dunleavy.

Let’s start with considering what stress actually is. According to the World Health Organisation, “Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional or psychological strain. Stress is your body’s response to anything that requires attention or action.

"Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way you respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to your overall well-being”

There are many signs that will tell you that you’re stressed, but here are the most common ones:

• Can’t sleep or wake up worrying about the day’s tasks.
• Eating, drinking or smoking more than usual.
• Can’t concentrate on tasks.
• Irritable/overreacting to small challenges.

Everybody deals with stress differently, so when you know what your stress signs are, you can take steps to reduce your stress.

TIPS TO REDUCE STRESS

• Tune In: Pay attention to your body, does your heart rate speed up, do you get headaches, what does your body do in a stressful situation? Knowing this is key to managing your stress. For example, if you know that you get headaches with stress, that’s your trigger to stop, assess the situation and manage your stress levels.
• Breathe: Start taking some nice deep, slow breaths, and count whilst doing so. The breathing will help to slow your heart rate down and the counting will help to quiet the mind.
• Talk: Talk to your partner, family or friends. Sharing a worry can really help to see things from a less stressful perspective and you’ll feel better talking out loud about it.
• Journal: Writing down your thoughts and feelings will help to get it off your mind.
• Plan Ahead: Planning big events ahead can really help to reduce stress. Most often being unprepared can really increase our stress levels. Prepare as much as you can in advance of a big trip, event or holiday to help avoid this.
• Minimise News Feeds: spending too much time on television, social media can tire your brain and confuse you.
• Slow Down: Stress is the body’s way of telling you that you need to rest and regroup. Adrenaline increases as if you are ready to work out, which is why physical activity can be a great way to relieve stress. Even a short walk can make a big difference.