Stress is all too common in the UK. In the year leading up to 2023, at least 875,000 UK workers reported work-related stress, depression or anxiety.
The factors that compound and lead to stress are diverse and widespread, and while no two cases are the same, stress is often triggered by similar circumstances. Below, we’ve summed up some of the best ways to keep your stress to a minimum.
Make time for yourself
There’s a lot to be said for allocating a little bit of time, every day, to do something just for you. Even if it’s only ten minutes, it is important to put this time aside for yourself to regather your thoughts and do something you enjoy.
Perhaps you take half an hour to enjoy your favourite matcha tea, 45 minutes for a sweaty gym session, or 15 minutes to read your new book – just make sure it’s something you enjoy!
Get active
Moving your body helps immensely! It doesn’t need to be anything intense: even a 10-minute stroll around the block helps to boost blood flow and get your muscles working. Low-impact activities are encouraged for a positive mindset, and it’s even better if you can get moving outside in nature.
Eat a balanced diet
Fuelling your body with a nourishing and balanced diet is so important for battling stress. There’s no need to cut out the foods you love, especially if eating what you crave makes you feel better. However, you should always balance it out with nutritious foods too.
Try to incorporate a mixture of all the food groups. Aim to eat between three and five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, but don’t be too hard on yourself or set unrealistic goals. Above all, try to enjoy what you eat – and eat food that makes you feel good.
Connect with people
Try not to isolate yourself when you’re feeling stressed. There are multiple scientific studies confirming that social support is necessary for emotional and physical health, so it’s worth taking the time to spend time with colleagues, friends or loved ones if you can.
Don’t force yourself into activities if you’re feeling too worried or anxious. If you feel confident and comfortable, why not join a local club to try meet like-minded people where you live?
Accept things you can’t change
Sometimes, stressful situations in life can’t be avoided.
It’s all too easy to slip into a pattern of helplessness and self-sacrificial behaviour, focusing on what’s going wrong instead of looking for solutions. For anyone facing extreme stress, focusing on the things that they do have control over is vital. It’s a productive coping mechanism and can lead to more positive outcomes too,
Whether it’s pressure at work or tensions in the household, the causes of stress may be unavoidable. The most important thing is to learn how to prevent and alleviate negative feelings before they snowball into stress!
© Copyright 2024 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
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