Do you know how to deal with stress? Do you know your stress triggers?
Stress is commonly seen when you find yourself in an environment where you can’t cope. Whether that’s work or who you’re with or what you’re doing. Any outside factor can result in you feeling stressed and worried. Common signs for stress can include any of the following: sleeping problems, sweating, muscle tension, dizziness, headaches, low self esteem, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite and more. Just like everybody’s appearance is unique, so is our response to stress and how that is manifested in us.
And remember, if self help isn’t working for you, go and see your GP. Mental health issues are the reason for 1 in 5 visits to a GP and stress can cause physical health problems, for example high blood pressure. Your GP can offer you other coping techniques, as well as prescribing medication and carrying out tests.
In light of that, here are 5 ways to deal with stress:
1. Go Outside
It may sound simple, but research has proven that sunlight boosts your serotonin levels. A change of scenery gives you the opportunity to consider your situation from a different perspective, by being outside and seeing what other people are doing, you may find inspiration on how to manage your circumstances.
Going outside of course means leaving the house. In this time of working from home and having everything delivered to your front door, there’s a lot less reasons to go outside. Leaving the house allows you to see something different and nature and architecture.
And if for whatever reason, this isn’t possible. Bring nature indoors. Find some plants you like and have them in your house to enjoy on the days when you can’t go outside.
2. Move More
One symptom of stress is that you don’t feel like moving and end up wallowing in your own self pity of not being able to cope with current events. Overcome this by moving around. It’s advised that when working, you should leave your desk at least once an hour, whether that’s getting a drink, talking to someone else or something else. Exercise produces endorphins, which is that ‘feel good’ feeling you get once you’ve worked out and been active for an extended amount of time. Movement also breaks up your day and gives your brain something else to think about and once you return to your work, you have renewed energy and may just feel less stressed about everything.
3. Check your Vices
When you feel stressed, what do you turn to? If it’s a bottle of wine or a packet of cigarettes, this will only give you a temporary release and soon that will become a habit. Your body will become accustomed to that vice and that high won’t feel so high anymore and once it’s worn off, you’ll only feel more stressed. You’ll find yourself in this vicious circle of feeling stressed and then turning to a vice, and this will repeat over and over. Check yourself. Are your habits healthy? Sustainable?
4. Meet Up With People
Again, with the rise in working from home, there is an even bigger need for you to go outside. It’s been found that doing activities with friends help us to relax and have a good time, because who would choose to do something they don’t enjoy? Also, meeting up with people gives you the opportunity to talk to someone, or multiple people, about the issue causing you stress.
5. Have Some ‘Me’ Time
Jumping to the opposite end of the spectrum, sometimes you just need some time to yourself. Did you know that the UK has the longest working hours in Europe? This means we need to set specific time apart for you to do the things you enjoy. Do something that takes your mind off the subject of your stress and allow yourself to let go and do something fun.
In all, coping with stress means listening to yourself and finding something that works for you and gives you a break from the cause of your stress. Our counsellors are always available to help you manage your stress. Book an appointment today, and see one of our counsellors in the next 7 days.