(Image: Santiagos)
Modern life seems to be creating quite the hot-bed for stress across the globe. Often, it feels like there is so much to do with so little time to do it in, especially when in the grip of busy city life. However, constant worry can cause all sorts of ill health, which will only heighten stress, leaving a vicious circle to ensue. It becomes all too easy to feel overwhelmed and so, you may be tempted to ignore the weight on your shoulders, which will only cause issues later on down the line. It is best to deal with stress head on and learn how to process your own thoughts in order to re-gain control, when it all gets a little too much.
National Stress Awareness Month is upon us so we thought there is no better time to share helpful hints and tips to avoid worrying yourself sick. Also great timing for students who may be preparing for major exams or who are in the midst of coursework!
Avoid unhealthy habits
It can be tempting to reach for the things you may view as comforts whilst you are stressed. Alcohol and cigarettes are a go to when people are feeling overwhelmed, for a form of escapism. Often, students with pressing deadlines reach for sugary energy drinks in a bid to stay awake too. However, these coping methods are not as useful as you may think. You need sleep to function and be alert, especially when you are going through a difficult period. These items are only going to affect your long-term health, possibly a while after your stress has left the building! Try and avoid these, or at the very least moderate your use.
Try some Exercise
As much as we would like to over-look this advice at times, it is true that exercise can help a great deal when we are feeling low. Not only does it give you a much needed break to clear thoughts, it brings a sense of achievement and will improve your psychical health on top! If the thought of exercise is stressful in itself, remember you should start off small and work your way up. Small changes are better than none, so why not try leaving the bus or train a few stops early to walk the rest of your journey? Go for a thirty minute swim at one of Birmingham’s amazing leisure centres or dance your worries away at a class to ensure that exercise doesn’t feel like a chore.
Manage your time
Ignoring your problems is likely to cause more problems, unfortunately. You don’t want to be responsible for missed appointments, neglecting to eat or drink properly or forgetting the birthday of a special someone. These actions can lead to guilt which will make a bout of stress so much worse. Splash out on a cute diary or wall planner where you can list all the things you need to do and when you should have them done by. That way you will feel more in control and if things change last minute, you are well aware of your plans, so you are likely to have room to manoeuvre or have a clear idea of when you can re-schedule. Writing things down helps to consolidate thoughts and make them more manageable too.
Organise some ‘me’ time
When you are busy it is hard to designate yourself some ‘me’ time. It might feel silly to spend an hour watching your favourite TV programme, lunching with friends or taking a relaxing bath when you have so many more ‘pressing’ matters on the go, but the truth is, this is likely to make the work you produce of much higher quality. Whilst you may feel like it is productive to work solidly from morning until night, it is likely that what you produce, might not necessarily be your best. You are likely to burn out if you don’t take a break and that really will stop you in your tracks!
Think positive
As things build up it may be hard to focus on all that is good in your life but it must be done! When you are rushed off your feet and close to breaking point it is hard to reach clarity, but you should remember why it is you are working so hard and what is it for. Stress can make us snap at the ones we love or feel angry with ourselves for not managing things the way we believe we should, so it is crucial to focus on what is important and leave the negatives behind. Each day we recommend writing down three positives about your day and three positive things you have done for yourself or others too. Listing all the good things to happen to you will make you understand that there is good in the world and that sometimes it’s the small things that count!
Talk to someone you trust
Having a good support system is an amazing way to help combat stress. Talking and releasing all your worries and fears will not only feel like a weight has been lifted, but sharing with others can really put things into perspective. Should you really be that stressed because you broke a nail? Because the window cleaner was an hour late? Or because you forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer to de-frost?! No! The little annoyances can turn into huge dramas if you are being eaten away by stress, so it is great to enjoy a cuppa with your nearest and dearest to re-gain clarity and help them, help you, feel tons better!
