Stress, in both our personal and working life, is inevitable. However, stress, like many things, can be managed. In this blog, we've come up with some points that may help you navigate the more stressful periods in your life more easily.
First things first, sleep. If we don't get enough sleep, our minds and bodies won't have a chance to rest and recharge, and we become much more prone to succumbing to stressful situations. This can be a vicious cycle as lack of sleep can cause stress, yet stress can also keep us awake at night. Sounds awful, right? Don't fret…the key to breaking this toxic cycle is within this next step.
Give yourself time to unwind. Take time to do an activity you love, like cooking a nice meal or reading a book. Setting aside specific time to switch off will give your brain a well-needed rest and help to steady any nerves. We tend to get stressed when we overcrowd our brain with thoughts or panic react to situations instead of sitting back and taking a breath.
Meditation is a suggestion that can be met with heavy eye rolls, but don't knock It until you have tried it! Meditation has been proven to have positive effects on mood and stress levels. There are thousands of meditative guides available on the web, as well as podcasts and apps such as Headspace.
Exercise is also an excellent tool for combatting stress. Exercise releases endorphins, our feel-good hormones, into our bodies and gives us a heightened sense of positivity. Regular exercise is good for both the body and mind. Whether getting out for a walk or run or hitting up your favourite gym class, make sure you move your body regularly throughout the week.
Take a step away from the situation. Evaluating a situation from afar will give you a better perspective on how best to tackle it. Get some advice from close friends or family. If you are feeling constantly overwhelmed, seeking professional help could also be an option that may help.