April is the month that is recognised as National Stress Awareness Month. This is to raise awareness of the negative impact stress can have on an individual. To acknowledge this we have put up posters around our office that provides tips for our staff on dealing with stress: and we would like to share some of this useful and valuable information with you
Do Some Exercise
Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to reduce stress and improve well-being. When you exercise you are more focused on what you are doing at the moment than anything else which means you won’t think about the worry that is causing you stress. Exercising can also improve your sleep which, with a lack of, can be a factor in your stress. Exercising will also make you feel good about yourself and increase your self-confidence. Some examples of exercise you can do are dancing, walking, bicycling or jogging.
Guided Mediation
Slow Down
Sometimes you will need to take a break from whatever it is that you are doing. Going 100 miles an hour can really affect your body and mind in a negative way as it can create a lot of anxiety and worry about getting things done as quickly as possible then moving on to the next thing. If you catch yourself trying to rush activities or jobs take a step back and slow down you might end up completing the job at a much better quality
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Practise Deep Breathing
Did you know?… that when you are going through stress your body thinks that you are under attack. Breathing techniques fight the stress and counteract the response. When you use these breathing techniques you are taking in more oxygen and slowing the heart rate down. This is allowing the body to calm down because you are telling it that you are not in real danger. Try and take a deep breath then hold it for 5 seconds then breathe out. Do it a few more times after that.
Make Time For Your Hobbies
Making time for something you enjoy doing is another great way to deal with stress. This is another way you can become easily distracted from what is causing you to stress and improve your mood. Enjoying your favourite hobbies provides an outlet for stress and it gives you something to look forward to in the day.
