Managing Stress: Insights from the Beattie Street Health Team
Meet the extraordinary individuals of the Beattie Street Health Team as they reveal their secrets to conquering stress and embracing life. Discover their approaches to self-care and be inspired to embark on your own journey.
Melinda Webb - Founder BSHS / Dr TCM / Buteyko Breath Instructor
As women, we take on many roles.
Self-care is the key; whether it's the beginning or the end of the day, my number one is always to begin and end with daily meditation.
My go-to is Dr Joe Dispenza, a neuroscientist and author. His book “Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself” is the first book I read in 2015, and since then, I have been practising Dr Joe's meditations. I recently returned from a week-long retreat with Dr Joe on the Sunshine Coast., which was life-changing. His walking meditations are the best, walking into your future you! Dr Joe Dispenza
Bec Zandstra - Yoga / Shiatsu Massage & Acupressure
As a mum, I know life can get really busy and often, having too many commitments, too much to do, and not enough time can cause us to feel stressed. Of course, the best way to deal with stress is to ‘relax’, but it’s not that simple for some people. We find it tricky not to get distracted by busy minds and to-do lists.
My top tip? Move!
Move your body every day. Movement is a great way to disperse nervous energy and to get you out of your head. In traditional yoga practices, the movement or asana part of the practice is always done before the meditation to allow the body to be comfortable and the mind to be still. Whether going for a walk, an exercise class, or a yoga practice, I make sure I move my body daily to keep my mind clear and stress-free.
Michelle Campbell - Naturopath
When I’m feeling stressed, I focus on my breathing. This is an easy and accessible way to bring me back to the moment and find a sense of calm. The ‘mental load’ that we carry as part of day-to-day life and our many roles and responsibilities can often lead to a sense of overwhelm.
If I feel that way, box breathing is a simple technique to calm the nervous system. Inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four and finally, four counts before inhaling again. Repeat for 5-6 rounds at a time.
I highly recommend James Nestor’s book – “Breath”, which looks at the power of breath through history and different cultures and its many benefits for health and longevity. MRJAMESNESTOR
Johanna Keyes - Massage Therapist
When my body shows signs of stress, such as; poor sleep, the nervous system sitting in flight or fight too much and craving sugar, I know that I need first to stop and slow down.
This can be done in several ways, like having a bath, walking barefoot on grass or just listening to a 15 min guided meditation.
To help prevent any future flare-ups, I turn my phone notifications to silent after 5 pm and consciously decide to sleep for 6-8 hours.
Janine Armfield - Educator and Postnatal Doula
I rarely feel tired or stressed, but if I ever feel tired or need to regroup and wind down, I love nothing more than spending time with my family, relaxing at home around an outdoor or indoor fire, chatting and chilling with my husband and kids and their partners.
I love to walk with our dog, and I do pilates three times a week. I love the sunshine, the seaside and bush walks.
I get energy from people, so I love my time with all my clients and their families, and time with friends is always a joy too. Self-care is so important, and whatever it is that brings peace and joy should be something that we should spend time prioritising. I always tell my clients, “You are at the top of the pyramid; if you take care of yourself first, everything else will flow”.
In a world that often overwhelms, these strategies offer a compass to navigate the stressors of modern life. By adopting one or all of these practices, you can cultivate a sense of well-being, resilience, and inner peace. Remember, you hold the key to managing your stress levels and creating a life that thrives in balance and harmony. Unleash your potential, embrace self-care, and watch as stress fades and fulfilment increases.
