Stress head

I’ve always been known for being a bit of a stress head…when I don’t have something to stress about I’ll stress about that I’m forgetting about something!

Up until now it hasn’t really affected me all that much apart from the odd headache, a little sleep disruption and occasional break down which involves letting it all out to the kind ear of my mother, getting a big squash of a hug, taking a deep breath and a large step back to put it all in to perspective.

The thing is, I’m well aware that I create my own stress and that the majority of the time there is actually nothing to worry about. I’m quite a logical person but for some reason when it comes to worrying and putting pressure on myself all sense goes out the window.

I thought I was getting a hell of a lot better at dealing with stress, not creating so much of it and taking on board the fact that life really is too short. Although not feeling particularly stressed at the moment, taking my deep breaths, getting in plenty of exercise, eating well and generally looking after myself what might appear to be a stress free person is in actual fact I’m clearly just letting my stress emanate itself in a different form….

The form being psoriasis! It runs in my family and when I started developing a few scaly patches on my hands I half suspected it but originally put it down to a change in the washing up liquid I was using (yes I still hand wash some dishes…sticking a whole load of pots in the dishwasher is not my bag). That was until I got a few more patches on knees, one of my elbows and the skin on my ear lobs and around my nose started to flake. I’m making it sound a hell of lot worse than it was, it’s a whole heap better now thanks to me lashing on this wondrous Moo Goo.

Since finding out that my stress is manifesting itself in the form of psoriasis I’ve tried my damn hardest to relax a little though I will admit I’m not doing fantastically well at it. Relaxing is not my forte. There are simply just not enough hours in the day to get all that I want to achieved. Hence the blogging of the issue as if I put something in to words there is a stronger likelihood I will commit to change.

Anyone who has read my story will know that I have suffered from eating disorders over the years (over 12 years to be more exact), and in some ways I think that as I have let go, loosened the control, internally I’m clearly stressing about the issue more than I’m allowing myself to believe. Subconsciously I’m stressing…who knew it was possible!

With all this in mind I’ve decided to create a list of things I can do/try to help myself to relax… if you have any to add let me know! I’ve also just found out about an AXA PPP Healthcare Live Chat which is taking place online on Thursday the 28th from 1-3.30pm. It’s the perfect opportunity to have my questions answered! You can access the live chat from here.

Dr Mark Winwood, the clinical director for psychological health for AXA PPP healthcare’s specialist Health Service division will be hosting the chat.

In the meantime here is some advice I’m giving myself!

• Eat more Blueberries – they’re bursting with vitamin C, which is what your body uses as fuel when your heart is racing. Crammed with tons of antioxidants (those molecules that fight free radicals that damage your cells), which repair and protect your body from the effects of stress. Source
• Take more Baths
• Start reading again – reading blogs doesn’t count, I must learn to turn off the laptop!
• Try Acupuncture – my energy might be a tad block
• Start Meditating – simply being, clearing my mind even for a few minutes every day would be a fantastic achievement
• Get more fresh air – I used to walk outside everyday but since joining the gym my activities have predominantly been indoors. “Phytoncides are airborne chemicals that plants and trees emit for protection from insects and rot. These chemicals, which linger in forest fresh air, also happen to be at the center of research in regards to stress reduction.” Source
• Go to bed earlier – sleep clearly has a major part to play – read more here.

Stress is clearly having an affect on my body. It’s a warning sign and one which could get a lot worse if I don’t take a step back and try to manage my mind and the way it works.

The questions I have for Dr Mark Winwood…

• If I manage my stress is it likely I can clear up my psoriasis completely?
• What other key signs should I watch out for that I’m stressed as it’s something I’m clearly not 100% conscious of or perhaps I’ve just  become accustomed to it!?

If you can’t make the chat there are actually a whole heap of resources online here and here and you also have the handy option of putting your questions to the doctor via the AXA PPP Healthcare’s Facebook or Twitter page.

Tagged as: AXA PHP Healthcare, body and mind, eating disorder, food, Online Chat, psoriasis, stress, Webinar