LINDA HOWSON F

	ARE YOU STRESSED? Often feel close to tears? Easily snap and shout at those around you at home and work Have a reduced sex drive? Sleep badly? Get lots of headaches? Fidget, bite your nails or fiddle with your hair? Find it hard to concentrate and impossible to make decisions? Find it increasingly hard just to talk to people? Eat when you are not hungry or skip meals altogether? Feel tired most of the time? Have panic attacks? Sweaty palms? Butterfly stomach? Think that your sense of humour has disappeared? Feel suspicious of others? Eat, drink or smoke more to help you through the most difficult days? Unable to relax without feeling guilty? Feel that you just cannot cope? If you answer yes to more than four of these questions then the chances are that you are stressed and need to take action. STRESS MANAGEMENT Eat regular and healthy meals, try to include B vitamins, Vitamin C, Zinc and Complex carbohydrates. Practice some form of relaxation technique such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Try and get some fresh air every day. Do not overload yourself - try to concentrate on one thing at a time and if possible - delegate. Take regular exercise. Visit a qualified Aromatherapist. Take the phone off the hook and try a relaxing bath. Try a creative hobby. Face up to work or relationship problems and do something to resolve them. Learn to recognise your own threshold for stress, and do not push yourself past it. Take regular breaks. Consider having a pet; stroking an animal can help you to relax but remember - an animal is for life! If you cannot commit yourself to a pet try stroking a soft toy/stressball. Talk about your problems. A professional counsellor will be able to help you take an objective view of yourself, and put your problems into perspective. Counselling is often available through the Doctor's surgery!