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[Video] 10 tips for managing stress
Stress can impact us all. It’s how we feel and respond when life puts us under a lot of pressure. You can deal with most types of stress by strengthening your ability to cope with stressful situations. Our new video offers 10 practical tips to help you manage and reduce the symptoms of stress.
10 ways to manage stress
Self-help tips | how to get support - Watch in 3 minutes 38
Life can be stressful. Here, we've listed 10 tips to help you manage stress in a healthier way. And, how you can reach out for support if you're struggling to cope.
10 ways to manage stress
Feeling stressed and anxious? This relaxing video shares 10 practical ways to help you manage and reduce the symptoms of stress.
1.Get active
Regular exercise releases feel-good endorphins in your brain.
Go for a short walk.
Get active in other ways.
2.Practise mindfulness
Mindfulness is a great way to manage the symptoms of stress.
Try controlled breathing exercises.
Notice how you feel.
Spend time with nature.
Notice its beauty.
3.Do things you enjoy
Find time to chill out. Do things that relax you.
Tap into your creative side.
Maybe try a new hobby.
4.Eat well
A regular healthy diet can help to boost your mood.
Include plenty fruit and vegetables.
Drink enough water.
5.Prioritise sleep
Good quality rest can have an ‘anti-stress’ effect.
What small changes can you make to sleep better?
Do you need to cut down on caffeine?
Or reduce your screen time?
6.Take a break
A short break from work or a busy routine helps us to recharge and gain perspective.
Visit a new place.
Relax with friends.
7.Try some yoga
Yoga can promote relaxation and help relieve stress.
See if it helps you relax.
8.Reduce alcohol and smoking
Alcohol and smoking may seem to relax you, but can make problems worse.
Try and cut right back.
9.Be kind to yourself
Having self-compassion can do wonders for your mental health.
Do things that make you feel better.
10.Get support
If you’re worried about the effects of stress don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Speak to someone you trust Or make an appointment with your GP
What is stress and how does it affect you?
Some stress is normal, such as before an exam or important meeting. It’s how your body responds to pressure. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones (chemicals), such as adrenalin. These hormones help you cope in the moment – for example, by increasing your heart rate.
But, too much stress, over a long period of time, can affect both your physical and mental health. For example, you might get headaches, muscle aches and pains. Or you may feel tired and have trouble sleeping and concentrating. So, it’s important to reduce stress where you can.
Ten ways to deal with stress
Watch the video above for these 10 effective ways to manage and reduce the symptoms of stress.
1. Get active
Regular exercise releases feel-good chemicals (endorphins) in your brain. Go for a short walk, take up a sport, or get active in other ways by starting a new hobby, such as dancing or roller-skating.
2. Practise mindfulness
Mindfulness is a great way to manage the symptoms of stress. Try controlled breathing exercises and notice how you feel. Or spend time in nature and enjoy its beauty.
3. Do things you enjoy
Find time to do things that relax you. Try tapping into your creative side by doing something crafty. You could try a new hobby, or simply relax with a book.
4. Eat well
A healthy balanced diet can help to boost your mood. Include plenty of fruit and vegetables. Drink enough water too.
5. Prioritise sleep
Good quality rest can have an ‘anti-stress’ effect. Think about the small changes can you make to sleep better. For example, you may need to cut down on caffeine, or reduce your screen time.
6. Take a break
A short break from work or a busy routine can help us to recharge and gain perspective. You might find it helpful to visit a new place or make time to relax with friends.
7. Try some yoga
Yoga can promote relaxation and help relieve stress. Give it a go and see if it helps you relax and feel calm.
8. Be aware of alcohol and smoking
Drinking alcohol and smoking may seem to relax you. But they can actually make problems worse. Cut out, or cut down on smoking and drinking, if you can.
9. Be kind to yourself
Having self-compassion can do wonders for your mental health. Be kind to yourself, set realistic goals and do things that make you feel better.
10. Get support
If you’re worried about the effects of stress don’t be afraid to ask for help. Speak to someone you trust. Or make an appointment with a GP.
Click to open a PDF version of 10 tips for managing stress infographic (0.2MB).
If you’re worried about your mental health, our direct access service aims to provide you with the advice, support and treatment you need as quickly as possible. You’ll be able to get mental health advice and support usually without the need for a GP referral. Learn more today.
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Sources Sources
- Stress. Mental Health Foundation. www.mentalhealth.org.uk, updated September 2021
- How to manage stress. What is stress. www.mind.org.uk, published November 2017
- Fight-or-flight response. Encyclopaedia Britannica. www.britannica.com, accessed January 2022
- Exercise. Health effects of exercise. Encyclopaedia Britannica. www.britannica.com, accessed November 2021
- Domingues RB. Modern postural yoga as a mental health promoting tool: a systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2018;31:248-255. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.03.002
- Terry ML, Leary MR. Self-compassion, self-regulation, and health. Self Identity 2011; 10(3):352–62. doi: 10.1080/15298868.2011.558404
- How to manage stress. How can I become more resilient? Mind. www.mind.org.uk, published November 2017
- Yoga: What you need to know. National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health. www.nih.gov, accessed December 2021
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