Essential Tips on Managing Stress

Stress and its impact on our wellbeing is one of the biggest challenges we all face, particularly in a digital world where life moves increasingly quickly.  

According to statistics, stress has a larger impact on society than many of us probably realise and can lead to numerous health issues. 

The most common cause of stress is work-related with 79 percent saying they frequently felt it due to their job. One in 14 UK adults (seven percent) have said how they feel stressed every single day. 

Ever since 1992, Stress Awareness Month has been held to highlight these issues, offer support to those in need and ensure conversations around the challenges this creates are getting louder.

Here are some essential tips to help you manage stress... 

• Look after your social wellbeing 
• Make time for self care 
• Get outside 
• Express thanks to others and yourself
• Learn to say no
• Get enough (or more) sleep
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Prioritise, organise and stick to your diary
• Take information breaks
• Share coping mechanisms

Look after your social wellbeing

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, then try to take time away from your work and instead spend time with friends, family and partners.

Giving yourself some space to behave in a different setting with a different set of people and perspectives can be a great way of de-stressing and taking your mind elsewhere.

If you can, then lean on your social networks for help wherever possible. 

Make time for self care

Taking time for yourself is vital to your overall wellbeing.

Whether this is going for a walk, reading a book or making time for retail therapy, everyone deserves some ‘me’ time if they need it. This can really help you find the mental space to switch off from the everyday or the issues that are causing you concern.

With some time invested in taking care of yourself, then hopefully you can return feeling calmer than before." 

Get outside 

Taking a break and heading into the fresh air is a fantastic way of relaxing.

If work is behind your stress, then give yourself enough time to take a walk or exercise away from your desk. Alternatively, hosting meetings outside the office in a different location can be an effective way of giving yourself a break and a fresh sense of perspective.  

Express thanks to others and yourself

Expressing gratitude towards others and yourself can be an effective way of providing a different perspective on a situation.

Reflect on your own strengths and notice your accomplishments. It is so easy to get caught up in what we need to do next that sometimes we don't stop and appreciate where we are or what we have achieved. If you are feeling stressed, then remember what you have done to get where you’ve reached and all the obstacles and challenges you’ve had to overcome. 

Learn to say no

Working in the creative industries can be stressful, particularly as a freelance worker.

Often, it can be tempting to say yes to every opportunity but you also need to value yourself and remember that you cannot do everything that comes your way.

If you do try to take on too much work, then you are putting yourself at risk of burning out and needing to take a lengthy break.

As hard it sounds, sometimes it can be more beneficial to turn down a project or piece of work if you are already feeling tired or overworked."

Get enough (or more) sleep

This is something that is continually advised but worth remembering - getting enough sleep every night does have a positive impact on reducing your stress levels. 

If you struggle sleeping, start by creating a night routine that will be relaxing and allow you to switch off. This could be having hot drinks, taking a shower/bath and turning off all tech devices 30 minutes before sleeping. 

Maintain a healthy diet

It can be tempting to eat badly when stressed. Some turn towards alcohol as a way of relaxing.

But overindulging can sometimes have a negative impact on your stress levels and mean you are in a worse place mentally than before. Eating properly and sticking to a normal schedule during stressful times can be really beneficial in ensuring you feel like you are in control of your life.

Prioritise, organise and stick to your diary

Try to be strict with the boundaries you create for yourself, others and your work. 

Work is work and life is life; no matter how busy or hectic your work schedule becomes, it is important to keep them separate. This will help you manage your tasks effectively and feel like you are in control.

Take information breaks

With all the volatility of recent years, it can be important for all of us to take time away from news or digital devices. Rolling coverage of global events, particularly crises or war, can have a negative impact on our mental health, particularly when we are ‘doom-scrolling’ through our phones. One way out is to limit how much time you spend on your mobile or social media profiles. A digital detox can be extremely beneficial in terms of reducing stress levels. 

Share coping mechanisms

One of the most important things to do is talk with your peers and check in on each other to see how you are all doing. If you need it, then ask for help during busy periods or stressful times. If you find some ways of dealing with stress that really work, then share with those who might need it. You never know how useful your tips could be.

Visit stress.org.uk to find out more on how to tackle stress.

You can also read our previous blog with more tips and advice.