Across the world, people are unhappier and more stressed out than ever before.
That’s according to research carried out by Gallup last year, which found that the amount of people experiencing high amounts of stress was sitting at a staggering 41%.
Although it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why so many people are feeling unhappy, anxious and stressed out, researchers said individuals reported having more negative experiences, feeling under-rested and enjoying life less. They also pointed to the pandemic and the isolation lockdowns brought as having a major impact on mental health and stress levels.
If you’re feeling stressed out and you’re looking for stress management tips, you’ve come to the right place as we’ve put together this blog post to help transform your mind into a calm and tranquil haven!
Exercise
By now most of us are aware of the benefits exercise can have on not only our physical health, but our mental wellbeing too.
As well as releasing endorphins, which are the brain’s natural stress relieving hormones, physical exercise is a great outlet for releasing pent up tension.
So whether you’re hitting the hard cardio classes at the gym or you’re just going for a brisk walk while you’re walking the dog, getting some exercise is perfect for releasing some of the stress that’s weighing you down.
Get Adequate Sleep
The link between poor sleep and high levels of stress couldn’t be stronger, but sadly one in five of the UK’s adults don’t get enough rest. This is one of the biggest contributors to a stressed-out population, so if you’re feeling under the weather and you’re not getting enough hours in bed, this should be at the top of your priorities list..
To help your stress levels return to a healthy level, prioritise a consistent sleep schedule and try to get between six and eight hours per night.
If you’re stressed out then chances are you might struggle to fall to sleep, so try to overcome this by creating a calming bedtime. Chamomile tea and many types of foods are known to promote sleep, so perhaps give these a go and perhaps they’ll make dozing off that little bit easier.
Avoid Social Isolation
When we’re feeling stressed, it can be tempting to withdraw from society and lock ourselves away in isolation. However, while this may seem like a good idea, it rarely makes us feel better and in most cases social isolation can make us even more stressed out.
If life is getting on top of you, try to engage with friends, family, or colleagues. As the old saying goes, “a problem shared is a problem halved” and while this may seem simplistic and won’t fix all of life’s issues, in some cases it’s actually true!
Take Part In Relaxing Activities
Among all the pressures of life such as work and family commitments, we can often forget that we’re supposed to be enjoying ourselves! Don’t neglect your own enjoyment and make sure you find time to have fun and do stuff you find enjoyable.
Obviously, hobbies differ from person to person. Whether you enjoy listening to music or just taking a relaxing bath (or listening to music while you take a relaxing bath!) do what makes you happy, as this should bring some peace and tranquillity to your life.
Tackle What’s Making You Stressed
One of the most effective ways of easing stress levels is pinpointing whatever it is that’s stressing you out and addressing it.
Whether it’s a heavy workload, dysfunctional relationship or a lack of financial concerns, by trying to tackle your problems head on and seeking help where necessary, you can potentially remove or at least improve the source of your stress.
Mindfulness Techniques
Rooted in ancient practices such as yoga and meditation, mindfulness has undergone a mainstream resurgence in recent years and these days it’s being used by millions as a tool to manage stress.
For stress management, try proven mindfulness techniques meditation, deep breathing exercises or simply practise being fully present in the moment.
Over time and with regular practice, these techniques will promote a calmer mindset and help you live in the moment rather than mulling over the past or worrying about the future.
Therapy
The last step to managing stress and by far one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal is therapy. The various types of therapy can all provide a supportive space for you to explore the root causes of your stress, while also arming you with coping strategies that promote emotional resilience.
There are a number of different approaches to therapy. Ultimately, the one you opt for will depend on a number of factors, including your individual circumstances, personal preferences and what you’re looking to get from your sessions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which provides a structured and evidence-based approach to managing stress, is one of the most popular approaches. CBT can help individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns, offering practical strategies for coping with stressors.
Alongside CBT, group therapy is another option that some prefer. This communal approach to therapy allows individuals to discuss their issues with likeminded people, which can be rewarding for some. Group therapy is also usually a more cost-effective option.
So those are our main tips for managing stress. As you can see, there are many steps you can take to help manage your stress. These include exercise, getting healthy amounts of sleep, avoiding social isolation, partaking in relaxing activities and tackling the source of your stress. Some also find solace in mindfulness and therapy, which offer various options.
When it comes to stress management, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person might not work for another, but by utilising as many of the tips we’ve offered in this post to mount a multi-pronged attack, you should start to feel the stress subside over time.