Watch out for stress signals

Dr Becky Howie explains why modern life keeps you on edge and suggests strategies to help you reclaim peace

As schools return after the summer break, I find myself reminiscing about my time at school. It’s funny that what, in the grand scheme of life, is a short period has such a profound effect on us. For example, do you get those school-related anxiety dreams? You know, the type of dream where you are late for an exam or you turn up at school still in your pyjamas, and everyone is staring and laughing at you. You wake up sweaty-palmed, with your heart racing. It’s incredible that, decades after I left school, it can still trigger a stress reaction in me.