The real reason you’re stressed and what to do about it.

by | Apr 3, 2024 | Perimenopause, Sleep, Stress, Weight

For over 5 years now, I’ve been helping women over 40 lose weight, cope with those horrible hormones and get  their energy and clarity back on track. In that time I’ve seen some amazing transformations. 

Although every  woman in midlife has their own unique and specific health history and background I have noticed some common reasons many seem to struggle with stress and anxiety. 

Stress and Anxiety

So I want to share these with you and also (most importantly!) tell you what you can do instead, to finally feel calm, centred and back to your vibrant self.

Have you dropped the self care ball?

Many of my clients struggle with overwhelming stress and anxiety due to neglecting their self-care.

From putting others’ needs before their own to ignoring the signs of burnout, it’s easy to fall into the trap of neglecting ourselves in favour of our busy lives.

But the thing is: neglecting self-care not only leaves us feeling depleted but can also exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety, making it even harder to cope.

The key to combating this issue..

lies in making self-care  a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

Whether it’s carving out time for relaxation, engaging in activities that bring you joy, or setting boundaries to protect your well-being, incorporating self-care practices into your life is essential for managing stress and anxiety.

Start small by committing to one self-care activity each day and gradually build on it.

Remember, you deserve to prioritise your own needs and nourish your mind, body, and soul.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Another common challenge my clients face is relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms such as emotional eating, to manage stress and anxiety.

When life gets tough, it’s tempting to reach for comfort foods as a temporary escape from our emotions.

However, this can lead to a vicious cycle of guilt, shame, and further stress, ultimately exacerbating our feelings of unease and  yes more biscuits in your belly.

What to do..

Instead of turning to food for comfort, seek out healthier coping mechanisms that nourish your body and soothe your soul.

Whether it’s practicing mindfulness techniques, journaling to process your emotions, or seeking support from a trusted friend or therapist, finding alternative ways to manage stress and anxiety can help break the cycle of emotional eating.

Next time you feel the urge to reach for that pint of ice cream, pause and ask yourself what your body truly needs in that moment.

You’ll be surprised at how empowering it feels to chose self-care over self sabotage.

Health Neglect

Lastly many of my clients struggle with neglecting their physical health in the midst of their busy lives.

From skipping meals to skimping on sleep, it’s easy to prioritise work and family obligations over our own well-being.

However, neglecting our physical health only serves to amplify feelings of stress and anxiety, leaving us feeling depleted and unable to cope effectively.

What to do…

Making your physical health a priority is essential for managing stress and anxiety.

Start by honouring your body’s need for nourishment by fuelling it with balanced meals and snacks throughout the day.

Set aside time for regular exercise, even if it’s just a short walk or yoga session, to release tension and boost your mood.

And don’t forget the importance of rest and relaxation—aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night to recharge your body and mind.

By prioritising your physical health, you’ll not only feel better equipped to handle life’s challenges but also cultivate a greater sense of overall well-being.

Need some help?

Hopefully this blog post has helped you see why you might be struggling with increased stress and anxiety and also what you can try instead. 

If you need expert help and advice then here are some ways that I can provide that for you.


1. Check out my free relaxation session. Listen to it every night when it’s time to go to sleep and you will see a difference in your wellbeing.


2.Download my Free Manifest Your Mood Workbook  and discover an easy way to change your thinking for the better and feel happier.

 

3. Book in for a free discovery call and we can talk about what might be holding you back from dealing with the stress and strain in your life and whether you’re a candidate for my hypnocoaching approach.

See you soon

Bonnie xxx