It’s stress awareness month.
We all go through stressful periods and learning how to cope with stress is key to better wellbeing.
Avoiding managing stress often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms, which make you feel worse.
Addressing your stress is key to feeling better mentally and physically.
What is causing your stress?
Working out the cause of your stress can help you find ways of preventing it getting worse.
It could be:
- Family issues
- Money worries
- Things that are happening in the world
- Work pressures
- Worrying about someone else
The 4 A’s
Avoid, Alter, Adapt & Accept
Avoid unnecessary stress. Learn how to say ‘no’ to things. Take control of what you can.
Alter the situation. Do one thing that can contribute towards a more positive outcome
Adapt to the stressor. Think if there a possible positive that can come out of the situation
Accept the things you can’t change. Some things are completely out of our control. We have to accept that things are just the way they.
Building Resilience
Stress is inevitable and we can’t always prevent getting stressed.
The trick is to build your wellbeing to be more resilient to stress.
- Ensure you’re sleeping 7-9 hours each night
- Keep a balanced diet that keeps you energised throughout the day
- Exercise more. Whether it’s going to the gym or just staying active.
- Avoid relying on things like caffeine or alcohol, they can make you feel ‘on edge’ and unsettled.
- Keep in touch with family and friends. They can help you cope when you go through stressful times.
Stress Busters
- Get outside. Luckily the weather is getting better! Spending some time in fresh air can help you think clearer.
- Make time for you. Block out some time in your week to do what you want.
- Set goals. Achievements help improve your mood. It could be anything like a new personal best running a 5K.
- Avoid unhealthy habits. Turning to alcohol and drugs only provide temporary happiness and will leave you feeling anxious and paranoid.
Useful Apps
