Handling stress
There are few people that don’t experience some level of stress on a daily basis. For example, the rising cost of living is on everyone’s mind right now and is having an impact on most people’s personal finances. If you're having to make difficult decisions about what you can afford, it's normal to feel stressed or down. But if stress is becoming constant or overwhelming, try some things that have known anti-stress effects.
Saleem advises how CAB can help you
There are lots of things in life that can cause stress. If you're worrying about money, work or housing, here are some organisations that can help.
Susan shares how she has dealt with stress since the pandemic
Susan suggests:
- Walking and swimming can really help.
- Learn something new that you’ve never done before.
- Do something to help others.
- Comedy podcasts can help you relax and switch off.
- Writing things down in a journal really gets it out of your system.
61% of Scots found that going for a walk outside helped them to cope with the stress of the pandemic. (Mental Health Foundation)
Tommy explains how stress affected every area of his life
Tommy recommends:
- breathing exercises and meditation
- opening up to someone you trust
- getting out in nature
Geoff introduces Mia, his cat
Geoff talks about the importance of the relationship between human beings and animals. He suggests:
- going for a morning walk
- taking time to relax and have a rest
Exposure to nature and green space can significantly impact levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) in your body. (Marcia P. Jimenez et al, 2021)
Dr Dean Burnett explains the neuroscience of stress
Dean explains:
- Stress is the first stage of the fight-or-flight response.
- Stress releases cortisol, suppresses our immune system, interferes with our digestion and can alter our blood pressure.
- Stress makes us focus more on the negative and puts us in a more irritable state.
- Mindfulness, recognising and changing negative thought patterns, going outside and getting more exercise can reduce your stress levels.
Caroline shows us movement we can take seated in a chair
Key steps:
- Find a comfortable seated position
- Keep your feet flat on the floor
- Sit up tall
- Look to the right, then to the left
- Tuck your chin towards your chest
- Gently move your right ear towards your right shoulder, and same on your left
- Gently twist to your right, then left
- Give yourself a big hug
- Take a side-stretch to the right, then left
- Make a hunched position, then draw your shoulders back and up
- Draw your right knee in, then left
- Take a big breath in and sigh the breath out
Exercise and movement reduce the levels of stress hormones in your body. (NHS UK)
Andrew took a bold step and changed his job
Andrew suggests:
- Helping people is really rewarding.
- Being part of a strong team provides peer support.
- Find time to pursue your hobbies.
- Spend more time with those you love.
A message from Pete, a GP, about stress
Do
- be outside in nature
- have a hot drink
- simple breathing exercises
- get enough sleep
- get regular exercise
- eat healthily
- share how you're feeling with those around you
Please don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.
