When stress starts to get too much, “pressing pause” is often a necessary action. Many of my clients have aches, pains and health conditions that are made worse by stress. I often discuss with them the need to make time for themselves.
I’m currently in exactly that same position. Last week a close family member had a stroke and so I’m making a 4hr round trip a couple of times a week to help support them. I’m also still seeing clients that were already booked in. I need a little down time to make sure that my own health doesn’t suffer and so I’m going to take a little time away from blogging to give me that extra space.
One thing I will share for now is that very quick action was taken. Although assessment and rehab are still ongoing at the moment, it could have been very different without that prompt action.
Strokes can happen at any age. Yes, they are more common for older people but they can also happen to younger ones too. Risk of stroke is also higher in the weeks following Covid infection (and for up to a year after) so it’s worth knowing the symptoms so that you can act FAST.
“FAST” (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is the test to quickly identify if someone is having a stroke.
- Facial weakness: Are they able to smile normally? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
- Arm weakness: Can they raise both arms?
- Speech problems: Are they slurring their words and do they understand what you say?
- Time to call 999: if you see any of these signs.
Let the 999 responder know the tests you have tried and that you suspect a stroke. You could save a life!
I’ll be back blogging and sharing tips with you once I’m sure that we have proper support in place at the other end.
And if you’re feeling a little stressed yourself, don’t shy away from pressing pause.