As we reach the middle of the year, end of term and end of financial year, tiredness, stress and anxiety seem to be creeping up on us again.
Here are some of our top tips to manage and reduce stress in your daily life all with the disclaimer that everyone is different with what works for them:
- Practice relaxation techniques that can help calm your mind and relax your body: Examples of these are activities like deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Engaging in regular exercise, whether it's walking, jogging, dancing, or any other form of physical activity. Sometimes a simple stroll around the block or somewhere calming like a river or bush can be the perfect reset.
- Prioritize self-care: Take time for yourself every day to engage in activities you enjoy. This could include reading, taking a bath, taking the time to enjoy your tea or coffee hot, listening to music, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Self-care is essential for recharging and reducing stress and doesn’t have to be expensive or feel over indulgent to work.
- Maintain a balanced lifestyle: Strive for a healthy balance between work, personal life, and leisure activities. Setting boundaries and managing your time effectively can help prevent overwhelm and burnout. In saying this, I am a big believer that you can’t do everything well all at once, life is very seasonal so sometimes one area needs more focus than others. Don’t be hard on yourself if you can’t find the illusive balance, and if you can, please share your wisdom!!
- Practice time management: Plan your day and prioritize tasks. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Having a clear plan can reduce stress caused by feeling overwhelmed or disorganized. Plus, there is nothing more satisfying than ticking off that priority list. Always start with your top 3, anything else is a bonus.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Lack of sleep can increase stress levels and make it harder to cope with daily challenges. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to improve your sleep quality. I love to read before bed with a cup of calming sleep tea.
- Connect with others: Maintain a strong support system by regularly connecting with friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your feelings and concerns with others can provide comfort and perspective. Have you ever noticed how a chat and a laugh with a friend can really lift the mood?
- Limit exposure to stressors: Identify the sources of stress in your life and take steps to minimize or eliminate them. This might involve setting boundaries, saying no to additional responsibilities, or reducing exposure to negative influences. Sometimes it is the hidden pressures and mental load that make the biggest difference.
- Practice positive thinking: Focus on positive aspects of your life and practice gratitude. Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more constructive and optimistic ones. This one can be really tricky to begin with, especially if you have years of negative self talk to correct. Try a simple switch to begin with. Instead of “having” to do something, try saying you “get” to so something Ie: I have to go grocery shopping today to I get to go grocery shopping today - or do what I have done and start using click and collect - game changing if you don’t like walking the isles!
- Seek professional help if needed: If stress becomes overwhelming and starts to interfere with your daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance, support, and additional coping strategies.
Remember that everyone is different, so it's important to find the strategies that work best for you. Experiment with different techniques and approaches to see what brings you the most relief from daily stress.
I write more about the four pillars of mental health in The Brain Sanctuary Family Journal and this has been a game changer for us, especially at the moment. I can always tell when we start slipping in this area.