My stress levels seem to be sky-rocketing - urgently need some tips on how to manage stress.

[RufusandJasper]

Really appreciate some help. I feel like recently I am getting so stressed out and it is getting worse and worse. I am finding my job suddenly very stressful (it is quite a pressured job) and just feel like life is so stressful sometimes. In reality I know I don't really have that much to be stressed about compared to some people I know. My life is actually quite good really and I have a lot to be thankful for.

It really hit me this weekend as I threw a bonfire dinner party at my house for about 20 people. Normally I would love doing that kind of thing but this weekend I just found the whole thing so stressful I ended the night in tears all the cooking and organising and making sure no one set themselves on fire with a sparkler all got too much for me.

I never used to get this worked up and used to take things in my stride. But the older I get the more things seem to stress me out and get on top of me.

I am 30 years old, no kids yet. I really worry about how I would cope if I did have kids as everything just feels like too much.

Would really appreciate any advice about how to manage stress / keep stress levels in control.

I do exercise already and do have hobbies (mainly sports but also baking and reading) so I do allow myself chill out time.

You poor thing. Have a look at mindfulness- the headspace app is really good to give you a structure and techniques to relax. Bach's rescue remedy is also good. If it doesn't help don't be afraid to go to the doc. Good luck

One quick thing you can do is ask yourself - when you feel the pressure building - am I in physical danger?

The answer will generally be no - and apparently this Q&A can be enough to throttle down the rising adrenaline.

Thanks - I did actually pick up some Rescue Remedy in Boots but not tried it yet

If it's starting to get out of control would you consider a course of CBT? (cognitive behavioural therapy). I've had it for depression and it's very good at giving you new ways to approach things to manage how you feel. In many areas you can self refer for it so it's easy to set up.

You obviously have good awareness of your mounting stress so do yourself a favour and avoid possible sources of stress- there may not be much you can do about work stress but give yourself a break from big social events.

Yes not really considered getting any 'official' treatment as suppose I am slightly in denial and don't want to admit to DP,family,work etc that there is a problem.

I talked to DP about the bonfire party though and said that if we are going to do something like that again I will need a lot more support from him and he agreed that he could have been more helpful.

My DH uses the Paul McKenna 'Control Stress' book and accompanying CD when he's feeling particularly stressed and he recommends it to loads of people.

Thanks