Life

Video: Chest Heart and Stroke charity launches stress self-help videos

Two out of every three people in Northern Ireland feel stressed
Two out of every three people in Northern Ireland feel stressed Two out of every three people in Northern Ireland feel stressed

A NEW series of videos tackling the growing scourge of stress has been launched by the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association.

'Give Stress a Rest' campaign features six videos, each demonstrating a different holistic technique designed to help in practical ways, including ways to breathe (squared breathing), 'good mood' foods and even mindful cooking.

Other techniques explored in the videos include non-reactive awareness which enables people to respond to situations in a less stressful manner, the 5,4,3,2,1 mindfulness technique designed to "anchor the mind in the present" and reframing which helps sufferers view stressful circumstances in a different way.

They were created in response a Northern Ireland-wide survey which revealed that two out of every three people in the north feel stressed and that those who felt the worst at coping (30 per cent) were the most likely to reach for cigarettes, alcohol or comfort food.

The survey also revealed that women (39 per cent) feel more stressed than men (28 per cent) and that people of working age were more prone to the condition than other age groups.

Fidelma Carter, public health director from NI Chest Heart and Stroke, said: "Our survey showed that there was a real appetite from those who admitted to not handling stress well to be shown new techniques, and as the leading chest, heart and stroke prevention charity in Northern Ireland, there was no clearer message we could have been sent.

"Stress is one of the major causes of increases in blood pressure and is a risk factor for stroke and heart disease. We believe that these videos offer people new ways of coping with the stresses and strains of daily life. By adopting techniques outlined they can not only assist in preventing heart disease and stroke but can ultimately save lives."

The videos have been created in collaboration with leading health and well-being experts, Ann Ward, Brendan Quinn and Janice Bisp.

They are being made available to watch on NICHS website and YouTube channel and can be shared on the charity's Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In social media channels.

For more information on the Give Stress a Rest campaign, visit @nichstweet and www.nichs.org.uk/managestressvideos