In addition, stress can affect our behaviour such as, shouting or an angry outburst, change in sleeping and eating pattern, alcohol or drug addiction, social withdrawal and obsessive behaviours.

What are some common sources of stress?

Anything can cause stress such as work, personal relationships, family, the loss of a loved one or financial challenges. Research suggests that stress at work is one of the major causes of stress which is not surprising since most of our waking day is spent at work. Therefore it is crucial to be as happy as possible at work and reduce stress to a minimum.

How can you reduce stress in your life?

There are a number of things you can try. Over the years I have tried various methods that I will share with you now.

I am a big fan of positive thinking and self-talk. How you think and what you say to yourself, in your head or aloud, has an impact on how you feel. Try to find the positive in stressful situations and think about how important are these things really that you allow them to cause you stress and impact on your wellbeing so greatly.

I have tried and still do mindfulness meditation; it is part of my weekly routine. This is really useful to be more in the present moment and less caught up in racing thoughts and being stuck in my head.  I take anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes at times throughout the week when I feel overwhelmed or especially after a busy day. A simple mindfulness meditation involves the following steps:

• Find somewhere to sit, preferably somewhere quiet and with few distractions, especially when you first start out with mindfulness.
• Use your breath as your focal point to keep you anchored to the present moment. Concentrate on your breath going in and out. Do not try to change your breath, just notice it. Each time you find your mind wondering and realise you are caught in a  thought just gently bring your focus to your breath.
• Do this for 1 minute or 20 minutes. Keep practising and fit this in to your busy life where you can!

Another thing that I have found to be important in stress management, exercise and healthy eating. I exercise 3 or 4 times per week for 20-30 minutes and eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Empty out your thoughts and feelings with a friend who is a good listener. Off-loading how you feel can be very relieving and satisfying, and sometimes just letting everything out allows you to come up with a solution, look at things differently and at the very least you will feel better even if it does not change your situation.

If your source of stress is work,  it may be a good idea to talk to colleagues or your manager about how you are feeling and see if they can help to reduce your stress levels. Equally if personal relationships and family are your stressor, then talk it out with them and see what compromises can be made and what solutions you can come up with.