At some point in our lives, we will likely experience stress. Stress can manifest in various ways such as feeling overwhelmed, anxious, irritable or low. The good news is that there are effective ways to deal with stress that can help improve your overall wellbeing. In support of #StressAwarenessWeek, we have come up with five simple strategies to help you manage stress.

1. Have a go at practising mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment without judgement and has been shown to be an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety. You can practise mindfulness in many ways, such as meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few deep breaths. When you feel stressed, try to take a few moments to be mindful and focus on your breath or your surroundings. You can listen to our free mindfulness podcasts here.

2. Exercise

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall physical and mental health. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Exercise doesn’t have to mean high-intensity workouts to get the benefits of exercise. Even a short walk or gentle stretching can help you feel better and reduce stress. If you’re local to Cheshire, why not book onto one of our wellbeing walks here.

3. Connect with others

Connecting with others is an essential part of managing stress. Spending time with friends or family can help you feel supported and less alone. You can also try joining a support group or volunteering in your community to connect with others who share similar interests or experiences. Here at Healthbox, our Social Prescribing teams across Cheshire have set up a number of chatty cafe’s and other social groups that you can join, click here to find your nearest group.

4. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is an essential part of managing stress. Taking care of yourself can help you feel more relaxed and better equipped to handle stressful situations. Self-care can include things like taking a warm bath, reading a book, or doing something creative. Whatever it is that helps you feel relaxed, make sure to prioritise it.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for overall health and wellbeing, and it's especially important for managing stress. Lack of sleep can increase feelings of stress and anxiety, while getting enough sleep can help you feel more rested and better equipped to handle stressful situations. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and try to establish a consistent sleep routine to help promote better sleep habits. We have recorded a podcast that supports parents with children struggling to sleep, but many of the tips apply to adults too, listen here.

Unfortunately, stress is a normal part of life, but there are many things we can do to take good care of ourselves and reduce our stress levels each day. By practising mindfulness, exercising, connecting with others, practising self-care, and getting enough sleep, you can effectively manage stress and improve your overall wellbeing. Remember to be kind to yourself and take small steps towards managing your stress.