Stress

Stress is the word that many people use when they are describing how the demands of their life seem to be becoming too great for them to cope with. This ability to cope varies from person to person and what one person finds stressful may not be a problem for another. Whilst many of us suffer with stress at times in our day to day lives, long-term stress is known to be bad for our health and many of us would like to find ways to gain some control over it.

Silvercloud

SilverCloud is an exciting online therapy programme proven to help with stress, anxiety, low-mood and depression. There are a range of programmes, including extra activities and ideas from mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy. The programme is flexible; use it anytime, anyplace, and anywhere. You can even access it on a computer, tablet or mobile phone. Click here to read more

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) 

This group programme that combines meditation and cognitive behaviour therapy in order to help people manage problems with recurrent depression and stress. Click here to read more

Studies have shown that the first step in tackling stress is to become aware that it is a problem for you. The next stage is to make a plan to take control of the causes and effects of stress.Here are some practical ways to take control of stress.

Change of environment/break

Try to plan at least one each year with a change in activities and surrounding.

Open Up

If your relationship is part of the problem. Communication is very important.

Work

Is that the problem? What are your options? Could you retrain? What aspects are stressful? Could you delegate? Could you get more support?

To concentrate on the present

Don’t dwell on the past or future worries.

Own up to yourself that you are feeling stressed

Half the battle is admitting it!

Be realistic

About what you can achieve. Don’t take too much on.

Eat a balanced diet

Eat slowly and sit down, allowing at least half an hour for each meal.

Action plans

Try to write down the problems in your life that may be causing stress, and as many possible solutions as you can. Make a plan to deal with each problem.

Time management

Plan your time, doing one thing at a time and building in breaks. Don’t make too many changes at once in your life.

Set priorities

If you could only do one thing, what would it be?

Talk things over 

With a friend or family member or someone else you can trust and share your feelings with.

Relaxation or leisure time 

Each day is important. Try new ways to relax such as aromatherapy, reflexology or yoga. 

Exercise regularly

At least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on five or more occasions per week is excellent for stress control. Walking is good- appreciate the countryside.

Say no and don’t feel guilty

Seek professional help

If you have tried these things and still your stress is a problem.