In the UK, 85% of adults are stressed and experiencing a recognisable level of worry everyday.
Stress and anxiety are two major mental health issues. When I was first diagnosed with anxiety, I found it really overwhelming the amount of ‘tricks’ promising to solve stress on the internet. After being a stress relieving guinea pig I have a few simple ways to help you handle it, like an utter boss.
Blu tack
This year I have found that trying to deal with stress in the workplace can be incredibly difficult. An easy way to deal with your stress is to get a ball of blu tack and put it in your pocket. Every time you feel stressed you can manipulate the blu tack in your pocket and no one would ever know. It’s like having your own mini stress ball. Although make sure that you don’t leave it in your pocket when you wash your clothes because it will turn into another stressful situation.
Animals
Find yourself a furry friend and give it a stroke. Petting a dog, cat, rabbit, horse or any other animal can be incredibly relaxing. Spending time with animals can release happy hormones that will make you feel more relaxed and a lot less stressed. If you don’t have your own pet, go and visit someone who does.
Organisation
If you suffer from stress and/or anxiety, the idea of change might really be affecting you. Make sure your day is organised even before it starts. Know what you’re going to wear the next day, prepare your lunch and check your route to work so you can eliminate surprises. Here you can read all about getting your entire life together, in just one day. You are welcome.
Yoga and meditation
As annoying as it sounds yoga and meditation are fantastic ways to deal and cope with stress. The mindfulness app is a great way to get into mediation. However, it does come with quite a hefty price tag. Therefore, if you complete the first 10 days and don’t want to pay for the whole app, then use the techniques you’ve learnt and use them when needed. You could also try going to a yoga class. 30 minutes of sun salutation will also make you feel amazing.
Get yourself out of the house
Do not sit in your house and wallow in your stress. Go for walk and get a coffee (or a cheeky glass of vino). Some fresh air and time to yourself might just give you the time you need to decompress and find a solution to solve your stressful woes. I love walking down to the canal or walking around a park just to clear my mind of all the worries of the day. The former First Lady, Michelle Obama sings the praises of exercise for helping her stay calm. Speaking to Marie Claire, she said, “When stressed, I’ll put on my iPod and head to the gym.”
Vent
Make sure you’re not keeping all your stress and worries to yourself. There are so many people who will understand what you are going through. Just having someone listen to your venting means that you can process what is stressing you out. Even if that person can’t give you advice, just having them there might just be what you need.
Let me know in the comments below what you do to de-stress.
To Read Next:
How to organise your life in a day