Before you commence therapy, there are many things you can do to make coping easier. The most common problem people express to me when they are commencing their therapy is feelings of anxiety and stress.
Below is a list of things we know through research and experience will make a difference to lowering stress and anxiety. These strategies assist to get your emotional resources back on board and for you to start feeling generally better able to cope. |
RelaxationYoga, meditation, Tai Chi are just a few examples of helpful relaxation techniques to assist with calming the body and calming the mind. Even some basic controlled breathing can make a difference to how you slow down your heart rate and bring on feelings of calmness and relaxation.
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Eating WellA good diet is essential to not only physical health but to mental and emotional well being. A minimum of three good meals each day with plenty of water is a basic recommendation. If you are unsure how to pursue a good eating routine, I would recommend consulting a dietician or nutrionist for further helpful guidance on what eating plan will suit you best. Please note, when we are anxious or stressed we tend to have a reduced appetite BUT not eating will not help. Even a reduction in your food intake will be better then not eating at all.
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ExerciseExercise - what this means is some form of regular cardiovascular exercise. You don't need to take out a gym membership as there are many other ways to obtain this type of exercise, for example, a brisk walk, jogging, bike riding, swimming etc. The basic recommendation is to do some form of exercise which raises the heart rate at least 3 times a week for a minimum of 20 minutes each time.
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