This week is International Stress Awareness Week.
The week is the annual flagship event of the International Stress Management Association and looks to reduce the taboo associated with stress as well as achieve publicity about stress & stress prevention and promote the importance of wellbeing.
Stress is a major issue affecting hundreds of thousands of people. In 2015/16 there were 488,000 reported cases of work-related stress, depression and anxiety. In the same year stress accounted for 37% of all work-related ill health cases and 45% of all working days lost due to ill health.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed we’ve put together some simple ways to de-stress and take care of your mental health.
Go for a walk
Going for a walk in a beautiful spot is one of the easiest ways to de-stress. More and more research is reinforcing a long-held belief that nature helps to improve your mental health. Being outside can reduce feelings of stress and anger and improve your mood. One study found that the positive effects of a single exposure to nature can last for seven hours after an individual has experienced it.
Bute Park is a great, easily accessible spot in the heart of Cardiff city centre. At 56 hectares it is one of Wales’ largest urban parks which means once inside the park the hustle and bustle of the capital city is quickly forgotten.
Take a bath
Taking a bath can be an extremely relaxing experience. Mentally it gives you a chance to take a moment to yourself for some peace and quiet. Plus, there’s the physical benefits that the submergence in water provides in calming the nervous system which in turn reduces the levels of stress and anxiety in the body.
For the ultimate de-stressing bath turn the lights off and enjoy your bath by candlelight. There’s something so soothing about the flicker and glow of candlelight. Look out for Eden Tree Women’s Candle in Zen Harmony (£12).
Combine a soothing candle with beautiful calming bath products. Try out the Bare Lavender Bath Milk (£12). Made using goat’s milk which is ideal for rejuvenating and moisturising the skin, and lavender essential oil which relieves muscle tension and combats stress.
Read a book
Disconnecting from the world and forgetting about your stresses for an hour or so can be so useful in de-stressing. Instead of reaching straight for the TV remote why not pick up a great book instead. Reading for pleasure has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety and can alleviate symptoms of depression.
Some recent releases to take your mind off your stresses:
Becoming by Michelle Obama – An intimate, powerful and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States.
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult – From the number one bestselling author comes a novel which delicately yet unflinchingly deals with the issues of gun crime and the complexity of balancing the right to life with the right to choose.
World of Style by Aimee Song – The New York Times bestselling author, fashion icon & blogger Aimee Song returns with her second book. World of Style collects over 500 of her all-time favourite looks from around the world and features anecdotes about her style, favourite travel spots and personal memories.
Journaling
Keeping a diary is not only reserved for your angsty teenage years – it has lots of mental benefits at all stages of your life.
Journaling helps in several ways:
- it helps to clear your mind
- forces you to prioritise your problems, fears and concerns
- allows you to track your symptoms day to day so you can recognise your triggers
- gives you an opportunity for positive self-talk
We love Kate Spade’s Secrets Take Note notebook (£18) and kikki.K’s A5 Life Journal Inspiration (£16).
Cup of tea
It sounds so simple but making a cup of tea can actually be a wonderful way to de-stress. You can start to feel the benefit as you begin the ritual of making the tea, it is well accepted that small simple rituals help to alleviate stress and calm the mind.
Herbal teas derived from plants tend to be the best for reducing stress:
-Chamomile tea is one of the best known for calming. It promotes relaxation and sleep and is naturally caffeine free making it the perfect bedtime drink if your stress is keeping you up at night.
-Lavender tea is known to soothe anxieties and bring calm. It is also great for calming any digestive issues that many people find they experience when stressed.
-Lemon Balm Tea contains terpenees which is known to reduce high levels of cortisol, which in turn will elevate your mood and lower anxiety. Since it’s non-drowsy it’s a good daytime option.
These are small simple things you can do to alleviate stress but if you feel you’re not coping with your stress, or it’s becoming unmanageable don’t be afraid to seek help or advice.
- Mind
Mind’s helpline can offer help and advice for any mental health issues including stress.
0300 123 3393 - International Stress Management Association
ISMA’s website features a list of stress practitioners organised by specialist area.
www.isma.org.uk - The Stress Management Society
The Stress Management Society offers information on stress and tips on how to cope.
www.stress.org.uk - Stressbusting
Stressbusting offers information on stress and techniques on how to cope, as well as listing several treatments for stress including talking and alternative therapies.
www.stressbusting.co.uk
