Experiencing stress is a normal part of life and can even be beneficial if managed correctly, improving cognitive function, ability to work under pressure and resilience. However, stress can become overwhelming, impacting on our day-to-day lives. Stress manifests in many ways, such as headaches, stomach problems, difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, feeling irritable and changing our eating, drinking, smoking and sleeping habits.                                                                                             

Living with stress can impact on our health and wellbeing.  In the UK almost half of working days lost due to ill health and injury are today attributable to stress, depression, anxiety.

Experiencing long term stress can also increase blood pressure, muscle achiness, headaches and poor mental health. However, there are support services and steps you can take to manage and improve stress.