De-stressing yourself is Easier than you think!
Sometimes life doesn’t treat you well and everything seems just a bit harder than normal. We understand that, it happens to us too. But, just remember good times are always around the corner and you can learn to cope with whatever difficulties you’re having, with the right support and mindset.
Both our body and mind are connected to each other, so its important to take time for yourself every once in a while – it’s often called “self-care”. Most of us are bad at self-care as we have busy lifestyles and are often looking after family members, so we’ve compiled a list of a few things that we can add into our daily routine to reduce our stress and to help our overall wellbeing.
Relaxing your body
- Listen to your favourite music
- Try to meditate – it doesn’t take a lot; literally sitting in a quiet room and focussing your mind on relaxing for a few minutes a day can help to reduce your stress significantly
- Take Slow, Deep breathes if you start feeling anxious
- Get some exercise – try and do some exercise every day, so go for that walk at lunchtime and get out in the fresh air – it’s amazing how much different you feel once the endorphins are active.
- Eat Healthily – try to reduce your intake of sugar & caffeine as these can make you have “highs” and “lows” in your blood sugar. A balanced diet with fruit & veg is best, and try to eat a lighter meal at night as this will help you to sleep easier
Relaxing your mind
- Balance Responsibilities with Passion
All work and no play is an absolute torture to anyone. Find a passion about something you love dearly and make time for it.
- Stick to your plans
Being organised definitely helps with people who struggle to kill time but planning is no good if you do not actually stick to the plan. It also helps overcome procrastination and a high amount of stress if you manage to get on top of everything. Take a bit of time by the end of every day to reflect on your personal thoughts.
- Get Proper Sleep
Getting the right amount of sleep can help us stay focused and be a lot more productive the day after. Let alone staying productive, people tend to have more positive thoughts on their minds after more than 8 hours of sleep. Do not let those TV shows keep you awake the next time :)
When to get help!
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, life and our stress get in the way. It’s important to realise when you need help. Some of the signs that highlight when it’s time to get help are:
- You’re not focussed on your job or school life
- You’re using alcohol, drugs, tobacco or gambling to deal with your stress
- Your eating habits have changed – you’re either not eating, or eating too much
- Your sleeping habits have changed significantly – more often you feel tired after a full nights sleep, or you’re only getting a few hours of sleep because you can’t switch off!
- You have irrational fears and anxiety – sometimes you can recognise this in your own actions, but be receptive to others pointing this out to you.
- You are having difficulties conducting your every day routine
- You’re withdrawing from friends and family and isolating yourself away from social situations and interactions with other people.
- You are feeling very low in your mood - you may recognise it as depression but not always - and you are considering giving up.
If you need help, we encourage you to seek help. Sometimes, just a chat with a friend is enough, other times, it’s more involved and you may need further help. There are lots of organisations & charities that can help talk through your problems but they will listen, without judgement. Consider contacting The Samaritans on 116 123.
Also in Natural Health World Articles
D-Mannose FAQ
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D-mannose is commonly discussed in relation to urinary health, particularly by people who experience recurring urinary discomfort or infections.
It is typically used as a supplement that may support urinary tract health, not as a treatment for an active infection.
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D-mannose is thought to interact with certain types of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, which are commonly associated with urinary tract infections.
It may help reduce the ability of these bacteria to attach to the lining of the urinary tract, allowing them to be flushed out through normal urination.
This is a proposed mechanism and does not apply to all types of urinary issues.
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Some people choose to take D-mannose daily, particularly when managing ongoing or recurring urinary issues.
However, there is no single standard approach, and usage can vary depending on the product and individual circumstances.
If you are considering regular use, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for you.
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D-mannose is generally considered well tolerated for most people when taken as directed. Some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort, particularly at higher intakes.
If you are pregnant, recovering from surgery, managing a health condition, or taking medication, it’s best to speak to your GP or healthcare professional before use.
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No — D-mannose is not a replacement for antibiotics or medical treatment.
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it’s important to speak to a GP, as antibiotics may be required.
D-mannose is typically discussed as a self-care option, not a treatment.
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The NHS includes D-mannose as one of several options that people may consider if they experience recurrent urinary tract infections.
It is generally described as a self-care approach rather than a medical treatment, and evidence is still considered limited.
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D-mannose is commonly available in both tablet and powder form.
- Powder can allow more flexible dosing but usually needs mixing
- Tablets are more convenient and easier to take on the go
The best option often depends on personal preference and what fits most easily into your routine.
- Powder can allow more flexible dosing but usually needs mixing
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There is no single agreed dose for D-mannose.
Different products provide different guidance, and some are designed to be taken in smaller amounts throughout the day rather than all at once.
It’s best to follow the instructions on the product you are using and speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure.
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Recurring urinary tract infections can happen for a variety of reasons, including anatomy, hormonal changes, life stage, sexual activity, and individual susceptibility.
In many cases, there isn’t a single clear cause.
If you experience frequent UTIs, speaking to your GP can help identify any patterns, possible triggers, and appropriate ways to manage them.
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If you are experiencing symptoms such as:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
It’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
In many cases, you do not always need to wait for a GP appointment. According to NHS guidance:
- A pharmacist can often provide advice and, in some cases, treatment for uncomplicated UTIs
- If you cannot access your GP, you can also use NHS 111 for urgent advice, either online or by phone
You should seek more urgent advice if:
- Symptoms are new, severe, or getting worse
- You have a high or very low temperature, or feel shivery
- You have pain in your lower back or sides
- You notice blood in your urine
- Symptoms are not improving within a couple of days
If you experience recurrent urinary issues, it can also be helpful to speak to your GP about patterns, possible triggers, and whether there are any preventative or supportive approaches that may be appropriate for you. You may also wish to ask whether options like D-mannose are suitable within your overall care.
While most urinary tract infections are straightforward to treat, they can occasionally lead to more serious complications if left unmanaged. In some cases, UTIs can develop into more serious infections, including sepsis, particularly if the infection spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream
This is one of the reasons why it’s important not to ignore ongoing or recurring symptoms, and to seek medical advice where needed.
For more information, you can also visit the NHS guidance here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
D-mannose is not a substitute for medical care or prescribed treatment.
- Burning or pain when urinating
