Stress Awareness Month is a time to reflect on stress and raise awareness of how it affects us. Symptoms of stress affect us all every day and it’s important we find ways to cope to stop them escalating.
We’ve compiled a list of five ways to relieve stress when it gets too much.
- Talk yourself through it – It’s not always easy to call a friend if you’re experiencing tough times. If that’s the case, then self-calming is the best option. Tell yourself you’re allowed to feel the way you do, and everything will be okay.
- Manage your sleep – Lack of sleep can cause a rise in stress levels. Get off your phone earlier and switch off the TV to relax your body and get the recommended amount.
- Increase physical activity – If you’re feeling stressed, regular exercise can help. It increases serotonin levels and your internal feel-good factors. Choose an activity that you enjoy to encourage a regular routine.
- Follow a healthy diet – Your diet affects all parts of your health – including mental health. Reducing your intake of bad foods, beverages, and eating more whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, and meats can ensure that your body is properly nourished. In turn, this may improve your resilience to stress.
- Connect with people – A strong network of support through friends, family, and work colleagues can easy the pressure and help you to feel more positively. The activities we do with friends help us relax. We often have a good laugh with them, which is an excellent stress relief
Feeling overwhelmed and need support – our Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline instant messaging portal is available 24-hours a day via www.brighter-futures.org.uk