Top Tips For Coping With Stress 

We all feel stressed from time-to-time and managing stress is sometimes easier said than done. Small amounts of stress can be positive and keep us alert. However, too much stress can really take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. Let us unpack the common signs of stress and what to do when things are getting are getting on top of you. 

What is stress?

Stress is the feeling of being under enormous amounts of pressure. This pressure can come from many different aspects of life. For some, it may be work that is causing stress and for others, it may be personal life, financial concerns, or many other factors. You may find that it is cumulative, where each stress seems to be piling on top of one another making it feel impossible to complete tasks.  

How to identify signs of stress? 

Everyone experiences some form of stress throughout their day-to-day lives. However, when it affects your physical and emotional wellbeing, it is important to tackle it as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are many ways to get help if you feel you are struggling with stress.

Stress affects everyone differently however, here are some common signs and symptoms that you can look out for:

• Difficulty relaxing 

• Feelings of constant worry or anxiety 

• Mood swings or changes in your mood 

• Feelings of being overwhelmed 

• Low self-esteem 

• Eating more or less than usual 

• Changes in eating habits 

Read on for some helpful tips to help and your loved ones stay relaxed and happy. 

1. Eat well and exercise 

• The foundation of good health, both mental and physical, is having a healthy, balanced diet and keeping active. 

• Take a stroll in the park, either alone or with a friend. Even a jaunt around your local neighborhood will keep your endorphins going (the happy hormone) and you’ll benefit from the fresh air.

2. Build up your resilience 

• Make a conscious effort to set yourself small challenges for the day ahead and reward yourself for completing these. When we say small we really mean it, things such as making your bed are perfect as, once a few small things are ticked off, you’ll feel like you’ve achieved a reasonable amount. 

• Keep going, keep challenging yourself and keep giving yourself a pat on the back. 

3. Take a minute 

• We all need time for ourselves, especially in the media-centric fast-paced society that we live in today. Whether it is taking 5 minutes a day to do breathing practice or one evening to yourself each week, this time is really beneficial.

4. Set boundaries 

• Your time is precious, so try to avoid doing things you don't want to do. When planning the week ahead, only commit to plans that you think you will actually enjoy and benefit from. 

• To create boundaries that support you, start with a value you have; from there, determine what you need to make that value possible, and then determine how you can honor that need.

We hope that these tips will help you in any stressful moment that may arise. If you do feel that you are struggling and would benefit from some additional advice and support, here are some numbers that you can call for a free chat. 

Sometimes it's a good idea to talk things through with someone, it can help you clear your head and decide what needs to be prioritised. 

Anxiety UK 

• Anxiety UK runs a helpline staffed by volunteers with personal experience of anxiety from 9:30-5:30, Monday to Friday. Call 08444 775 774. 

Citizens Advice 

• Citizens Advice provides free, independent, and confidential advice for a range of problems as well as providing information on your rights and responsibilities.

StepChange 

• StepChange provides help and information for people dealing with a range of debt problems. Freephone (including from mobiles) 0800 138 1111.

Mind Infoline 

• Mind provides information on a range of mental health topics to support people in their own area from 9.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk.