Stress is an issue for many people. Last year the Mental Health Foundation carried out the UK’s largest-ever stress survey.
The survey found that 74% of people have been so stressed that they have felt unable to cope. The effects of stress were also concerning. 46% of respondents stated that they made unhealthy eating choices and more than 50% of people surveyed said they felt depressed or anxious as a result of stress.
Managing Stress
Whilst some stress is normal, when people regularly feel overwhelmed by stress it’s important to develop some coping strategies. Fortunately, a range of stress relieving activities is out there to choose from. As everyone is different, it is worth trying a few to discover what is most enjoyable and effective.
At Work
People spend a lot of their lives at work, so it makes sense to have some stress-relieving activities that can be easily used at the office. Using stress-relieving strategies at work reduces the stress that employees take home and can improve sickness absence and productivity.
Breathing strategies can be invaluable, particularly when in the middle of a tough day at the office. Diaphragmatic, also called belly, breathing is proven to quickly reduce symptoms of stress and is recommended by the NHS. Learning a few breathing techniques is an investment – use whenever stress strikes.
MIND, the national mental health charity, recommend taking breaks during the working day, getting a lunch break and going outside for a short walk. It’s also crucial to plan workflow to manage stress. UK office supplies can provide what’s need to take the stress out of a heavy workload. Choose from beautiful leather-bound retro Filofaxes, desk and wall planners, or put a stress-relieving elastic rubber band ball on your desk to be used as a fidget toy!
At Home
Chilling out at home is sometimes easier said than done. This is where unhealthy choices like overeating or drinking alcohol can creep in. Consider introducing some healthier destressing techniques as alternatives.
Finding flow in creative pursuits is fantastic for stress relief. Painting and colouring are very popular leisure activities. Invest in a good set of pens, paints and brushes and a sketchpad to keep at home.
Camomile tea contains an antioxidant called apigenin, which is is known for its calming effects. A cup before bedtime can naturally aid a good night’s sleep which is also crucial for managing stress.
The Stress Management Society recommends switching off gadgets particularly before bedtime, taking regular exercise and staying properly hydrated. Exercise needn’t involve the gym, it can be something as simple as a 20-minute walk or perhaps a gentle yoga session.
The basics of stress management are pretty simple to remember, the trick is to make time in the day and evenings to incorporate them into a regular routine. This will prevent stress from building up and avoid any negative effects, which can cause potential health issues.
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