4 ways I manage my stress as an Associate Director

Stress is something we’re all likely to experience at some point in life, although that doesn’t make it easy. According to heath tech brand Forth, 63% of people in the UK are stressed at least weekly, with only 6% of those polled saying that they never experience stress.

Some use stress as a motivator, the added pressure giving them the push they need to get productive and get things done. Others may find stress more difficult, with feelings of overwhelm and anxiety taking over.

Everyone experiences stress differently, and at varying levels. Forth say that women are more likely to experience stress daily, with 25% admitting that they are stressed every day in comparison to 15% of men.

Someone who knows about stress is Gleeson Recruitment Group Associate Director Jade Whitmore. Jade says she has suffered extreme symptoms of stress since the age of 17, with this stress increasing at key moments in her life – her Nan’s cancer diagnosis and the death of her father.

Here, Jade shares her experiences with stress, her diagnosis of Depersonalisation Disorder, and how she currently manages her stress while working in what can be a high-pressure environment.

Associate Director Jade Whitmore

“Stress has destroyed my health over the years. It has been the cause of some severe symptoms, but has also pushed and motivated me in life. Extreme stress can be intense, but minor stress can be powerful if you learn to turn the stress into strength.

I come from a broken family, with no financial security. I’ve suffered with extreme symptoms of stress since I was 17, but am proud to say that I have built a successful career for myself, and am a single mortgage homeowner. In some cases, stress has made me work harder and helped me achieve success, but I have had to learn how to manage the symptoms correctly.

In 2020, my Nan was diagnosed with cancer. My Nan raised me, so we are really close. I was living overseas at the time, so moved back to the UK to be with her. Just one year later, my father died. My body couldn’t cope with the stress and I was eventually diagnosed with Depersonalisation Disorder. This is where you have the feeling of being outside yourself and observing actions, feelings or thoughts from a distance.

I felt as if I wasn’t in my own body and, a lot of the time, I wasn’t sure whether I was awake or asleep. I felt as though I had gone crazy, and I didn’t know what was happening. This can happen when your brain struggles to handle severe stress. It acts as an uncontrollable cognitive reaction to pull you away from reality. I suffered for several months until I realised I CAN and WILL control this – if anyone is going to make me better, it’s me.

I have suffered multiple traumas in my life, followed by multiple symptoms of severe stress. Some of the symptoms I struggled with most were loss of appetite, comfort eating, sweating and panic attacks.

Recognising these symptoms is the first step in managing stress. Now I understand these symptoms, I know when I’m too stressed and need to take a moment to focus on myself.

4 ways I manage my stress symptoms

A consistent and healthy lifestyle

When we are stressed, it releases cortisol into our bodies which is what causes the terrible symptoms. To naturally reduce these cortisol levels, you should have a consistent sleep routine, avoid consuming caffeine at least five hours before bed and eat whole foods to nourish your body.

Regular exercise

The gym is excellent for releasing dopamine (the hormone that makes us feel pleasure) but exercise doesn’t have to be intense. People underestimate the power of a walk. Nature is beautiful, and I spend every weekend exploring new places on a long two-hour walk. It’s also a perfect way to catch up with friends.

Be present

When I find myself becoming overwhelmed and stressed, I take a step back from what I am doing and take some deep breaths to reconnect my body with my mind. It is magical how relaxed we can instantly feel by removing the external pressures of life. Meditation and breathing exercises are also very powerful and there are lots of free resources available online.

Ask yourself “Why am I stressed?”

When you are feeling stressed, stop and ask yourself why? It could be because you are overthinking or thinking of the worst outcome of a situation. Training your mind to focus on the positive parts of your life and the positive outcomes that can come from situations is one of the most effective ways to manage stress. It’s easier said than done, but trying not to immediately think of the negative has really helped me.

Stress has affected me negatively for many years, but now when I feel stressed I know this is a sign to that I am taking on too much and I need to step back. I do this by focusing on one task at a time.

The power of managing stress is your mindset. Let the worry and anxiety of stress transform into motivation and your life will improve significantly!

Here at Gleeson Recruitment Group, we care about the health and wellbeing of our team. Follow us on LinkedIn to see the initiatives and activities we promote to ensure #TeamGlee are able to take care of their physical and mental health.