The Mental Health Foundation recently released a startling statistic, revealing that 74% of people in the UK experience stress they consider to be overwhelming or are unable to cope with.
This number is both alarming and worrying, as stress can have a seriously negative impact on our mental and physical health.
And the fact that so many of us are suffering is a real cause for concern.
As adults, we come to accept that stress is a normal part of life. And although best avoided, can even be beneficial in small doses, especially when it motivates us to take action and achieve our goals. However, when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can have significant consequences for our overall wellbeing, and has been linked to health issues such as anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even cancer. It’s serious stuff.
So how can we manage stress better?
In order to combat stress, it’s important to understand what causes it and how it affects our bodies and minds. But unfortunately, there’s no quick, easy, and one-size-fits-all answer. By and large though, stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including work, finances, relationships, and health concerns. Sound familiar?
When we experience stress, our bodies release cortisol and other hormones that prepare us for a fight-or-flight response. This can be helpful in short bursts, but when stress is chronic, our bodies are in a constant state of high alert, which can have negative effects on our health.
The symptoms of stress can feel different for each of us, but common signs include increased heart rate, muscle tension, headaches, difficulty concentrating, irritability, sleep disturbances, and feelings of overwhelm or anxiety. Some people may also experience changes in appetite, digestive issues, or physical discomfort. It’s astounding the impact it can have.
So, what’s the solution?
The good news is that there are numerous strategies and techniques we can use to manage and reduce stress. But first and foremost, it’s important to identify the root causes and take steps to address them.
You could also try these eight simple strategies for reducing stress. Perhaps there are some you could implement today?
Shake it off
Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve your mood. And that doesn’t necessarily mean heading out for a run. Moving your body in a way that suits you is just as great for your wellbeing as hitting the gym. Whether that’s stretching in the sitting room, dancing in the kitchen or digging in the garden – it’s all good for your body and brain.
Practice relaxation techniques
Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness can help calm the mind and relax the body. There are hundreds of great tutorials on Youtube, or maybe join a class and destress with friends?
Nourish yourself
Eat nutritious meals, get enough sleep, and avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, if you can. Take care of yourself from the inside out.
Talk it over
Make time to talk to a friend, family member, or therapist about your feelings and concerns. They say a problem shared is a problem halved. And they’re not wrong.
Manage your time
Prioritise tasks, set realistic goals, and break them down into manageable steps. And that’s not just for work. The same goes for your homelife too. And where possible, delegate!
Take a break
Incorporate hobbies, leisure time, and activities that bring joy into your week. Plan travel, take trips and ensure you set aside some time each day to get away from what’s causing you stress.
Practice self-care
We know this can be hard for some people. But taking care of your physical and emotional needs, engaging in activities that promote self-compassion and really looking after you are key to keeping your chin up and your stress levels down.
Seek support
Stress doesn’t need to be overwhelming or persistent. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional of your GP for guidance and support.
And remember, while stress is a common experience that affects three quarters of the population, we don’t have to suffer in silence. By taking steps to manage our stress on a daily basis, we can drastically improve our health and wellbeing in both the short and long term.
