10 Effective Ways to Manage Stress and Improve Your Well-being
As we come to the end of stress awareness month, we at Valentine have come up with 10 ways to help our clients and employees practice stress management. Stress awareness is the understanding of the impact that stress can have on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Are you aware of your stress?
Stress can appear in many ways, but all types of stress can by described as a weight your shoulders, holding you down, making you feel drained, tense, and anxious. If you feel like you have trouble concentrating, feel like your mind is constantly on the go, feel irritable and tired, then it’s most likely that there is some form of stress in your life. Whether it’s work-related, personal, or environmental.
Depression can also be a result of stress. Are you over-eating? under-eating? do you find yourself withdrawing from society? If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to recognize them so that you can take steps to manage it.
Some identifiers as to what work-related stress can look like:
- Feeling overwhelmed, or worried about work responsibilities.
- Having trouble sleeping, or experiencing nightmares about work.
- Feeling physically drained even after getting enough rest.
- Being easily agitated with colleagues or family members.
- Difficultly concentrating or not fully engaged in work.
Now, without further ado, let’s discover the 10 strategies you can practice to manage the stress that appears into your life.
10 ways you can practice stress management:
1. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress levels. It can also help you sleep better, which can further reduce stress.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and keeping a journal, can help you stay present and focused, and reduce anxiety and stress.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep can lead to increased stress levels, so it’s important to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet
A balanced and nutritious diet can help you manage stress. Eating regular, healthy meals and avoiding excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol can help you feel calmer and more focused.
5. Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care
Taking breaks throughout the day to do things you enjoy, such as reading or going for a walk, can help you manage stress. Practicing self-care, such as getting a massage or taking a bubble bath, can also be helpful.
6. Connect with others
Talking to friends or family members, or participating in social activities, can help you feel more connected and supported.
7. Practice Time Management
Planning ahead and organizing your time can help you feel more in control and reduce stress.
8. Set Realistic Expectations
Setting realistic expectations for yourself and others can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
9. Engage in Hobbies and Interests
Engaging in activities that you enjoy, such as reading, painting, or playing music, can help you relax and reduce stress.
10. Seek Professional Help
If you’re experiencing chronic stress or anxiety, seeking help from a mental health professional can be helpful.
Remember:
It’s not about eliminating stress entirely, but rather learning to manage and cope with it in a healthy way. Being able to manage stress is a simple process, although it does take practice and commitment. Once you recognise that you are experiencing stress, and understand what can be done to manage it, all that remains is to gradually incorporate these ten actions into your weekly routine to help you reach a more stress-free life.
How we can help with stress management…
If you want to best support your teams and help them with stress management, contact the team today and we’ll create a tailored plan which best supports you. Contact the Valentine team at 0800 020 9913 or email us at service@valentineoh.co.uk.
Written by Nadia Hurley-Smith, at Valentine Occupational Health
