12 ways to manage stress

Put on your favourite music and have a sing along or listen to an audio book/podcast. I love singing (if I can call it that) in my car as it helps distract me from all the rush hour traffic, I’m sitting in.  

Had a bad phone call from a customer or feel like your workload is getting on top of you? Talk about it with colleagues and let them know how you’re feeling – they might have been in the same position once so can offer advice, or be able to help with your workload.  

Prioritise the most important tasks first and complete these when you are most proactive, for example if you’re a morning person get straight to it when you arrive at work. Try breaking one big task into smaller tasks to help make it feel more manageable. 

During mid-morning break or lunch time, get away from your desk – go and enjoy a walk or find a quiet corner to read a good book. 

When we get stressed one of the hormones called cortisol is released which increases your body’s desire to eat. Sitting on the sofa and putting your hand in that crisp packet might relate to you?! If it does, get up and go for a 10-minute walk to help get rid of those urges.  

It’s recommended that adults should get between 7-9 hours of sleep, and if you have less than this it can have a negative effect on your wellbeing; not wanting to get up in the morning, being moody, feeling lethargic or napping during the day. Reduce the amount of caffeine you consume, avoid screen time before bed and make your bedroom a calm and relaxing place.  

You release endorphins when you exercise which can boost your mood. Find an activity like walking, running, yoga, boxing or any activity that you enjoy doing.  

Have a bath or a full on pamper evening, treat yourself and relax.  

Having a support system from friends or family is a great way to talk about your worries or problems and can help you see things in a different way.  

Also having a good old laugh with friends is a great stress reliver.  

If you don’t feel like talking to people about your problems, write down how your feeling and get it all out, it could help to pinpoint what triggers your stress. 

Clearing your mind can help reduce feeling of worry and stress, so find a quiet place and get comfy. There are lots of apps out there, but I found Calm and Headspace really helped me to meditate.