Horwich Advertiser Issue 635

Page 20 May 2026 AD SALES 01204 478812 HEALTH & BEAUTY TO ADVERTISE CALL 01204 478812 The Chapel, 208 Lee Lane, Horwich, BL6 7JF 01204 692235 | 07803 902374 HOME VISITS AVAILABLE NOW CLINIC APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE NOW READ ALL OUR AMAZING REVIEWS AT: www.horwichdentureclinic.co.uk SMALL changes canmake a big difference when it comes to stress. Stress is our body’s reac- tion to feeling threatened or under pressure. When we are stressed, our body releases a hormone called adrenaline, which usu- ally gives us a boost or moti- vates us to act quickly. Too much stress can have a negative impact on our body and mind. HOW IT AFFECTS US Stress can affect our emotions, our body and our behaviours. The Greater Manchester Inte- grated Care Partnership says there are some key things to look out for. You may: ● be irritable, angry or tearful ● feel worried, anxious, hope- less or scared ● struggle to make decisions, have racing thoughts or feel overwhelmed ● have stomach problems, stress headaches and other odd pains including mus- cle pain ● have skin reactions, like stress rashes and hives ● feel dizzy, sick or faint Stress can sometimes cause high blood pressure and chest pains – but these symptoms should stop when your stress goes away. If you have any symptoms that you are wor- ried about, or feel you have more severe stress, please contact your GP practice. TOP TIPS TO MANAGE STRESS Plan ahead If you know you have a stress- ful or busy day coming up, make sure you plan ahead. Create a to-do list, plan your journey, make a list of things you need to take. Planning ahead of time can help you to relieve stress. Be more active Being active regularly can help you to burn off nervous energy, so it could be a way for you to deal with stress. Exercise might also help you manage or reduce stress. This doesn’t mean you have to become a gym bunny; it’s about moving a little more and building this into your daily life. The Greater Man- chester Walking website might be a great place to start for inspiration and support. Split up big tasks You might feel less stressed if you can take practical steps, such as breaking a task down into easier, more manageable chunks. And give yourself credit when you finish a task. Talk to someone Trust friends, family and colleagues, or contacting a helpline, can help us when we are struggling. We’ve listed a number of support services below that enable you to reach out for help if you need to speak to someone. Try positive thinking This is easier said than done, but positive thinking can help you to stress less. Take time to think about the good things in your life. Each day, list 3 things you’re thankful for, however small. Try self-help techniques The NHS has a number of short videos and practical guides to cognitive behav- ioural therapy CBT that can help you to stress less, but Helping you to stress less! Relax: Too much stress can have a negative impact (Photo credit: Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership) working through new prob- lems in a new way. The NHS has information to help you give CBT a go. Get a personalised mind plan A quick online tool that gives you a personalised plan with tips to help you stress less, deal with anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control.