We all know what it’s like to feel stressed, now more than ever we find ourselves in a challenging situation. Taking steps to look after your wellbeing can help you deal with stress, and reduce the impact that stress has on your life.
Being under pressure is a normal part of life. It can help you take action, feel more energised and get results. But if you often become overwhelmed by stress, these feelings could start to be a problem for you.
Stress isn’t a psychiatric diagnosis, but it’s closely linked to your mental health in two important ways:
- Stress can cause mental health problems, and make existing problems worse. For example, if you often struggle to manage feelings of stress, you might develop a mental health problem like anxiety or depression.
- Mental health problems can cause stress. You might find coping with the day-to-day symptoms of your mental health problem, as well as potentially needing to manage medication, heath care appointments or treatments, can become extra sources of stress.
Practical tips:
Try to accept the situation
Changing a difficult situation isn’t always possible. Try to concentrate on the things you do have control over. Such as time management, exercise, and diet.
Activity
Keeping active can help to reduce some of the emotional intensity that you may be feeling.
Being physically active means sitting down less and moving our bodies more. Many people find that physical activity helps them maintain positive mental health, either on its own, or in combination with other treatments.
This doesn’t have to mean running marathons or training every day at the gym. There are lots of different things you can do to be a bit more active.
Connecting with others
This could be through a virtual gathering or a socially distanced meet up. Connecting allows you to see things in a different way.
During this time of uncertainty when we are having to physically distance ourselves from others, it is important to try and maintain connections with others.
▶️ Take time to talk
▶️ Share the simple pleasures
▶️ Connecting virtually can be exhausting, it is ok to take a break if you are struggling
▶️ Reach out for support if you need it
Self care
Be kind to yourself and rest when you need to. It is ok not to be productive all the time. Being mindful of your own needs is so important.
Self-care techniques and general lifestyle changes can help to maintain a good sense of mental wellbeing.
It is important to remember that stress effects us all in different ways. Now, more than ever, it is important to look after our own wellbeing and check in with those around you. If you need support, Oxfordshire Mind is here for you:
📱01865 247788
✉️info@oxfordshiremind.org.uk
🖥️www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk