My top tips for staying in control

By Debbie Allen

I don’t know about you but my life can be very hectic sometimes between, work, finances, relationships, children and dogs! It’s very hard to stay on top of everything and sometimes your health can take a backseat.

So, here are my tips for staying in control of my life:

1. Get moving to clear your head and make achievable plans

Being active doesn’t have to mean you run a 10k every morning or have an expensive gym membership. There are so many ways to incorporate small bursts of activity into our daily lives, jumping off the bus a few stops early, going for a walk with a colleague at lunchtime or running around with your dogs in the garden. These moderate exercises can improve both our mental and physical health, helping you to stay on top of the hustle and bustle of daily life.

2. Open up and talk to friends if you’re feeling stressed

Nobody is immune to the daily pressures and strain of work, relationships, the mortgage but as the saying goes ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’. Develop a support network of friends and family that you can turn to during stressful periods of your life. I always find that one of the best ways to beat stress and anxiety is to open up and share how I’m feeling with a loved one.

3. Don’t ignore health concerns like an overactive bladder and let it impact on your life

Taking care of your health is an important, but at times difficult, job. Like everyone, I have been guilty of ignoring health symptoms and have put off going to the GP. When it comes to intimate health concerns, people have an even tougher time presenting to a GP because for fear of embarrassment or judgement. For example, the average OAB sufferer waits approx. 1 year before presenting to their GP with symptoms (1). If you are nervous about going to a GP with a health concern, maybe ask a friend, parent or partner to go with you for support or drive you to the appointment.

(1). Astellas Understanding the OAB patient journey – Ireland country report December 2017’. Research conducted by Astellas and Incite in 2017

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