We know that small doses of stress can be very beneficial to our health but US studies have shown that prolonged periods of anxiety may lead to dementia.

Protect your mental health with these 5 steps:

• BE MINDFUL – Meditation can be practised at any time, anywhere. Becoming aware of your surrounding, deep breathing at your desk, practicing yoga or tai chi are all steps to support your well-being.
• LIFESTYLE INVENTORY – Review your lifestyle. Are these jobs you can delegate or manage in a different more leisurely way?
• TAKE TIME OUT – Step away from the cause of stress – take a walk around your workplace or home; go into a quiet room at home – until you feel calmer.
• KNOW YOUR BODY – We all react differently to stress – identify the warning signs for you. Perhaps you experience migraines, tense muscles or fatigue. Begin to get in touch with your body’s signals that something needs to change.
• LAUGH IT OFF – Having a giggle increases your feel-good endorphins and distracts from worries and problems.