Do you ever feel like things are getting on top of you? Are you not sure where to turn to, or how you will get through the day?
You might be suffering from stress. Stress is more common than you may think, and we all experience it at one time or another. Everyone manages stress in different ways.
Stress is when we are unable to cope with pressure. When your stress levels affect your daily life, it is important to tackle them in a way that is right for you.
Heather Sloan, Health Improvement Lead in Mental Health at NHSGGC, says: “You cannot always prevent stress, but you can manage stress in a way that works for you.
“We as a team have various ways of dealing with stress. We go walking, we listen to relaxing music, or a good book or podcast. We play the drums, cuddle our pets, or relax in a nice hot bubble bath.
“We are all individual human beings, and we all have different coping strategies. Find out what is best for you!”
Each April is Stress Awareness Month, where we recognise the causes of, and how to tackle, stress. To help you cope with the inevitable, Heather and her team have come up with five top stress busting tips to get you through even the toughest of days:
1 IT’S GOOD TO TALK
A chat with a friend, family member, or colleague can stop you from feeling overwhelmed.
You may be anxious or upset, or you may be angry. If you feel ready, talking helps you find ways to find and tackle challenges in front of you.
Pay attention to your inner voice. Positive self-talk gives you increased vitality and improves your physical well-being, too.
2 TREAT YOURSELF, OR KEEP YOURSELF BUSY
Do you know what is causing you stress?
Stress can come from being very busy. This is when things begin to get on top of us, and we’re not sure how we’re going to get everything done in the day.
Give yourself a break – take time out to read, play a game, or listen to your favourite music. Whatever works for you!
But remember, stress can also come when you are not busy, and when you want to be. Staying productive, while taking the time out that you need, can combat negative emotions.
3 EXERCISE AND ACTIVITY
A good exercise session can relieve tension, anger, and anxiety.
Jogging, push-ups, or lifting weights releases endorphins. Endorphins are naturally-occurring chemicals produced by your pituitary gland and central nervous system. They reduce stress, ease pain and boost your sense of pleasure.
Even a walk in the park, or a stroll to the shops to collect shopping, makes a difference.
Exercising is not the only way to release endorphins. You can meditate, sing, make art, or enjoy delicious food (in moderation!).
4 AVOID BAD HABITS
Whatever you enjoy doing to combat stress, be careful and try to avoid bad habits.
Negative way of dealing with stress are “avoidance behaviours”. You may procrastinate or ruminate, or rely on alcohol, smoking or caffeine to cope. This can have an effect on your physical health in the longer term.
When you need to take time out, stay safe. Staying healthy, and staying engaged, is key to getting to grips with stress.
5 ACCEPT THINGS YOU CANNOT CHANGE
Sometimes, you cannot change a difficult situation. You may feel you are losing control.
When this happens, you may feel anxious and unhappy. Recognise what you can do, and plan how to do this.
Prioritise tasks, beginning with what is most important. Writing your feelings and emotions onto paper, or screen, can help you take control.
Learn more about what stress is, and how you can manage it, by visiting www.headsup.scot/mental-health-conditions/stress/. You can also follow Aye Mind on Twitter at ayemind99.
The Samaritans offer a 24 hours, 7 days a week confidential support service. You can contact them on 116 123, or via email at jo@samaritans.org.
