6 Simple but Effective Ways to Beat Stress
13 Feb, 20231-2 minutesAccording to mental health provider, Priory, between 2019 and 2021 there was a 55% increase in the number of people seeking help with stress or anxiety.
Whether it’s influences in your personal life, or factors at work causing you stress, it’s important to take control of how you are feeling and introduce healthy habits that will drastically improve your life.
As well as the effects on mental health, physical ailments such as high blood pressure and heart disease can also be linked to stress.
If you’re feeling burnt out and it is having an adverse effect on your life, here’s our 6 simple but effective ways to tackle it head on.
Learn to say ‘no’
If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like letting people down, your inability to say no could be causing you stress.
Spinning too many plates at once and constantly feeling the pressure to please others can do you more harm than good.
If you are beginning to feel burnt out and your down time is dwindling, there is no harm in saying no to people.
Whether it be your employer expecting you to take on additional responsibilities, or a friend who relies on you too often, don’t be afraid to put yourself first and prioritise your own wellbeing.
Avoid unhealthy habits
An unhealthy habit is any repeated behaviour regarded as detrimental to your physical or mental health.
This could be anything from biting your fingernails to excessive alcohol consumption.
The consequences of an unhealthy habit, whether it be sore fingers or a bad hangover, could lead to increased stress.
If an unhealthy habit is stopping you from functioning in day-to-day life, there are plenty of organisations who can provide support.
A quick Google search will provide you with the options available to you in your area.
Spend time outdoors
It goes without saying that fresh air can be a great remedy for clearing your head and recharging your batteries.
Fresh air increases the brain's oxygen levels and in turn boosts serotonin levels. An increased amount of serotonin leaves us feeling calmer and happier.
Being outdoors can also reduce the levels of cortisol in the body which is the natural chemical that causes stress.
If you’ve had a hectic day at work, make some time in your evening for a walk, it will do a world of wonders!
Even if your outdoor space is limited, there are lots of ways you can reconnect with nature in the city or bring some of the outside, indoors.
Work smarter, not harder
Working hard is important but if you find yourself working all hours of the day and achieving very little, you may need to rethink your tactics.
You can significantly reduce your stress levels by implementing a few simple habits into your working day.
For example, setting yourself clear goals, prioritising urgent activities and focusing on the tasks that are going to be most beneficial to you, will enable you to work smarter.
Working more efficiently should result in a better work-life balance. Making the most of any time off without having to worry about work will help to reduce your stress levels.
Practice self-care
Prioritising your wellbeing is an integral part of tackling stress.
Self-care can involve anything from a pamper session to eating out at your favourite restaurant with friends.
Even a quick phone call with a loved one could be a successful way to get things off your chest and relieve some stress.
As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved!
Make use of apps and podcasts
If you’re looking for expert guidance to deal with stress, why not try feeling your best with a wellness app or nourishing your mind with a wellness podcast?
There are many helpful apps designed to provide support and advice. A popular choice is Headspace, which provides information on sleep, meditation, mindfulness and stress. Apps such as this are great tools for unwinding after a busy day at work and can be listened to on the go!
The Overwhelmed Brain podcast is useful for people aiming to increase self-esteem and decrease negative self-talk. The emotional intelligence podcast teaches listeners how to honour boundaries and helps critical thinkers with their personal growth.
By using apps and podcasts to change your outlook on day to day life, you have a better chance of beating your stress!
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