10 tips to deal with stress

Stress is something we all experience from time to time.  A small amount of stress can help with motivation, but when stress lasts for longer it can affect our physical and mental health.

April is Stress Awareness Month and the campaign aims to increase public awareness about the causes of stress and the best ways to combat it. This year's theme is #leadwithlove.

There are many ways to cope with stress, but here are a few examples:

Understand when stress is a problem

This is the first step to recognising how stress is affecting your life and when to be proactive with stress management.

Identify the cause of stress

Stress can be caused by one big issue or a build-up of many small ones. It’s important to understand the causes of your stress so that you can put plans in place to manage this.

Be active

Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.  It also boosts your energy and helps focus your mind.  Even a short walk can make a big difference.

Get a good night’s sleep

When you are struggling with stress, sleep issues are more common and can exacerbate the stress symptoms.  Aim for 7-9 hours per night and establish a regular sleep routine.

Maintain a healthy diet

Eating healthy well-balanced meals and drinking plenty of water can help to protect you from the demands of stress and can improve your overall mood and energy levels.  Try to avoid excessive caffeine and sugar.

Connect with people

Spending time with friends and family and talking about your concerns can provide support and perspective. Social connections are vital for emotional well-being.

Manage your time

Prioritise tasks and break them into smaller, manageable steps. This can help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

Limit screen time

To much screen time, especially on social media, can increase stress. Set boundaries and take regular breaks.

Practice self care

Take some time out for you, to relax, unwind and forget the pressures of everyday life.

Avoid turning to smoking and drinking to ease stress

Although nicotine and alcohol can provide temporary relief for the effects of stress, nicotine creates cravings and alcohol is a depressant.  Turning to either of these can create longer term physical and mental health issues.

Remember, if you are struggling to manage your stress levels, it's important to seek support.

If you are worried about your drinking habits, you are not alone. CADAS are here for anyone who wants help with their unhealthy habit or addiction, and we provide a listening ear without judgement. For more information, read about the services we offer.

Please check out our website www.cadas.co.uk or give us a call on our freephone helpline 0800 254 5658 (available on weekdays 11am - 5pm, Wed 11am - 7pm) and we can have a chat about the support we can provide.  If you’re concerned about someone else, please share our information with them and encourage them to contact us.