How to manage your stress levels

When we feel stressed or anxious we are not very embodied. We have usually gone into fight/flight/freeze mode which places us on autopilot so that we can survive.

It is important to note that fight, flight or freeze mode is an incredibly brilliant response delivered by our body in times when we need to survive. However, this response becomes a problem when it is chronic and stops our body from going into a rest and digest state so that we repair our nervous system and process stress, trauma and extra adrenaline.

Here are three approaches to managing your stress levels:

• Managing your stress levels daily - When you feel daily stress building be sure to sleep well, hydrate, eat nourishing food, move your body in both a linear and non-linear way, meditate, dance, engaging in creative pursuits, bodywork and spend time in nature. These activities are most effective when done before your stress cup is full!

• Reduce the input of stress - This might mean changing your morning routine to one that serves you better, avoiding certain situations that may increase your stress levels, engaging in internal and positive self-talk and reframing how you are seeing/experiencing things.

• Increase your capacity to deal with stress - You can do this through relaxation, improving your physical, emotional and physical condition and seeking professional support where necessary.