We’ve all got favourite ways of relaxing, but some are more effective than others and some aren’t really relaxing at all. Here are four of the ineffective ways to combat stress.
Coffee/cigarette break
For many women, a coffee or cigarette break is the only chance that they get to stop working. But caffeine and nicotine are stimulants, not relaxers. The short break is actually to ‘unrelax’, to take chemicals on board that will help you stay alert a bit longer. However, they do just the same when you’ve finished work, and are trying to wind down. They’re addictive, so having one is a relief because it stops the craving.
A couple of coffees a day shouldn’t do any harm unless you’re pregnant or have been warned off them by your doctor. Tobacco, on the other hand, offers no benefits of any kind. It’s harmful even in small amounts, and causes more boring, painful and totally avoidable ill-health than anything else in the Western world.
Relaxing with a cigarette is like trying to sleep on a bed of nails – it causes stressful reactions such as speeding up your heart, so the body can’t relax deeply. It’s expensive too, saving the cost of a packet cigarette a day will pay for a genuinely relaxing weekly treat. If you’re worried about putting on weight, healthy eating and exercise will keep it off.
Alcohol
Alcohol is famous for helping people relax – often more than they intended to. But though it can ease stress, unknot tense muscles and bring on sleep, the benefits are only temporary – you’ll breathe shallowly and wake up early. Beware, too, if you start finding that you can’t relax without it.
Overeating
Overeating is another false friend when you’re under stress. Don’t feel guilty. Just find more helpful ways of being kind to yourself when you need it.
Tranquilisers
Tranquilisers may seem the only answer when you’re desperate, but these addictive drugs only help for a short time, if at all. After that, they cause more damage than they could ever have cured. If you’re at the end of your tether, ring contacts listed in your local phone book, ask your doctor to refer you for counselling or to put you in touch with one of the self-help groups set up by fellow-sufferers for all kinds of problems. These can also give sympathetic, practical advice if you’re already hooked and need help coming off.
One way of coping up with stress is to keep yourself looking good. Visit a health & beauty hub near you.