Stress at work can affect your health

‘When life is hectic and there’s a lot going on, especially at this time of year,’ says Beth MacEoin, homeopathic practitioner and wellbeing author, ‘that’s when there’s a tendency to overdo things, work in the evening and not get enough sleep.’ But it’s during these times that we need to take care of ourselves more than ever. ‘Just making a few simple changes can make a huge amount of difference,’ assures Beth. ‘One of the most basic things you can do is to make sure you’re drinking enough water,’ she says. ‘The benefits are huge. Low-grade dehydration can compromise performance and lead to headaches which are a really common problem in the office environment.’ Beth suggests having a glass on your desk at all times and drinking about 4–5 large glasses of water throughout the day.

Getting enough sleep is also really essential for maintaining good health. ‘Particularly at times of high pressure, it’s important to allow time to relax in the evening to get decent, good quality, regular sleep,’ says Beth. Lack of sleep can compromise your immune system and there are cosmetic benefits too. To make sure you get a good night’s sleep, it’s important to keep an eye on your caffeine intake, avoiding it altogether from about four in the afternoon. Other simple strategies include making sure you avoid working two hours before bed. ‘A good plan is to have a warm bath – not too hot,’ suggests Beth, ‘adding in some relaxing essential oils such as lavender. ‘It will help consciously prepare the body for sleep,’ she explains. Try Neal’s Yard Remedies Unwind flower essence blend, which brings relief for when it’s hard to relax or Weleda’s Avena Sativa drops which helps relaxation and restful sleep after a stressful day.