What to do when feeling stressed

Whilst stress is a normal part of life, so too should be using strategies to reduce stress. Regularly engaging in activities that help to reduce stress can help us to avoid any negative impacts on our mental and physical health. Here’s what to do!

Look for the signs

Be sure to pay attention to your body and mind. Stress can affect all of us differently, so it is important to become aware of signs that YOU are feeling stressed. This might look like becoming forgetful, getting tension in your jaw, becoming snappy. Noticing it gives us an opportunity to try strategies.

Release the Endorphins

Try to exercise regularly. This can be difficult to prioritise when you have a physical job, as it can feel as though you have been active all day. However, whilst you may be working on your feet, exercise that raises your heart rate and makes it difficult to hold a conversation at the same time, releases chemicals in our bodies and they can help make us feel good, known as endorphins. By regularly exercising and releasing those endorphins, we can help improve our wellbeing and start to feel calmer.

A Healthy Diet

Eating healthy food is also important. When we are working long hours we might be more likely to reach for caffeine, sugar (such as chocolate and biscuits) and convenience food (ready meals, fast food) to get our calories in for energy. However, a more balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can give us more stable and consistent energy. This can keep us feeling more level-headed and better able to navigate daily stresses.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Another way to manage stress is by practicing mindfulness or meditation. This means paying attention to the present moment, which helps us to pay attention to what is actually happening within our bodies and in our environment.  This can help us to stay grounded to the present, rather than becoming preoccupied with what could happen or has happened in the past, and becoming overwhelmed. 

Mindfulness can be done in so many ways and done anywhere. Working with plants and in nature can offer endless opportunities to pay attention to the present. Noticing the many colours, textures of different leaves, the sounds of bees, the smell of compost can all provide a break from our busy minds and worries.

Seek Support

Lastly, if you're struggling with stress and starting to feel as though you can't cope, don't be afraid to ask for help. Talking to a therapist can give you techniques to manage stress and a safe place to talk about your feelings or any underlying issues that may be making your stress worse.

Although stress is a normal part of life, it doesn't have to control your life. With the right techniques and support, you can successfully manage your stress and maintain a healthy balance, looking after your physical and mental wellbeing.