Feeling a little more stressed than usual at the moment? A little bit of stress is completely normal, but ongoing stress is not good for your physical or mental health. We’re here to help. Our5 stress-busting suggestions below should have you feeling brighter in no time.
Be Active
Exercise can be a good outlet for built-up stress. It won’t make it disappear completely, but it can help to clear your thoughts and reduce anger whilst helping you to think clearly and deal with problems more calmly. Exercise is proven to release feel-good hormones like endorphins which can help to boost your mood and even simple stretches could help release tense muscles. It doesn’t have to be anything too intense, a quick walk or run, or an at home workout or yoga class could be more effective than you think.
Take Control
Feelings of not being in control can heighten any feeling of stress, but identifying that things are feeling a little out of control is the first step in taking it back. This first step in its self, can be empowering so try to use it to kickstart a plan of action to make you feel more in sync. Simple methods to increase organisation such as writing to-do lists, or a time-management plan can help you to feel more in control and will enable you to prioritise tasks more effectively.
Talk to People
The age old saying goes, “A problem shared, is a problem halved.” It’s always important to have a good support network of work mates, friends and family around you, who you can talk to and lean on during stressful times. A simple video call to one of your mates can be an excellent stress reliever and leave you feeling refreshed in no time.
Breathe
Did you know that stress can alter the way that you breathe which then has a knock-on effect on the way that your body and mind feels? When you can feel stress building up, take 2 minutes to focus on your breathing. Take a few deep breaths to slow your breathing down, relax your muscles and calm your mind. There are also lots of useful meditation apps that can help you focus on your breathing and clear your mind.
Take Some Time Out
It’s important to prioritise yourself as much as possible. When you start to notice that stress is affecting the way that you feel or behave, spend some time having quality “me” time, doing something that you enjoy. Ideas include things like reading a book, planning a meet up with friends (even if it’s virtual!) or listening to music – something that allows you some escapism.
