Stress
How do I cope with stress?
Everybody’s different, so different things work for different people.
Here are a few suggestions that may help you to manage your stress :
- Sometimes an attitude change can help. Try seeing a difficult situation as a challenge to overcome, rather than something to get you down. This may help you cope with the stress.
- Try not to make a mountain out of a molehill. When you’re stressed about something, ask yourself “in ten years time, will this matter?”
- Feeling rushed can add to stress. So try to plan things better to give yourself more time to do things.
- Give yourself some time to unwind and relax each day. If you think you haven’t got time, remember you’ll be more efficient if you’re rested and able to cope. Schedule in time to relax and don’t feel guilty about it.
- Do some regular physical activity that you enjoy. Being active is good way to reduce stress and feel good about yourself.
- Try not to skip meals, and snack on sugary or fatty foods. Maintaining healthy eating habits, with lots of fruit and vegetables and wholegrains will help.
- Talk about it. Talking about problems and the way you feel can sometimes help and make you feel better. Other people can often come up with ways of dealing with problems you hadn’t considered.
- Avoid conflict where possible. Try not to be involved in unnecessary arguments or conflict if you find them stressful. (But don’t use this as an excuse to ignore a problem!).
- Try to spend more time with people who make you feel good about yourself.
- Try to have a regular sleep routine. If you are having difficulty falling asleep, do something relaxing before going to bed like listening to music or reading.
- If you’re having problems coping, see your doctor.