Personal changes to reduce stress

April is Stress Awareness Month. Here are a few more personal changes you can make to help reduce stress.

 

Get moving to combat stress

Exercise won't make your stress disappear, but it will reduce some of the emotional intensity that you're feeling, clearing your thoughts and letting you deal with your problems more calmly.

For more advice, read Exercise for depression - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

If you are up for a fitness challenge, why not sign up to Outrun an Ambulance?  Outrun an Ambulance - Charity, Challenge, Virtual, Run, Swim, Cycle, Walk

Practice deep breathing

This calming breathing technique for stress, anxiety and panic takes just a few minutes and can be done anywhere.

You will get the most benefit if you do it regularly, as part of your daily routine. You can do it standing up, sitting in a chair that supports your back, or lying on a bed or yoga mat on the floor. 

If you're lying down, place your arms a little bit away from your sides, with the palms up. Let your legs be straight, or bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor. If you're sitting, place your arms on the chair arms. If you're sitting or standing, place both feet flat on the ground. Whatever position you're in, place your feet roughly hip-width apart.

1. Make yourself as comfortable as you can. If you can, loosen any clothes that restrict your breathing
2. Let your breath flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable, without forcing it.
3. Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
4. Breathe in gently and regularly. Some people find it helpful to count steadily from 1 to 5. You may not be able to reach 5 at first.
5. Then, without pausing or holding your breath, let it flow out gently, counting from 1 to 5 again, if you find this helpful.
6. Keep doing this for 3 to 5 minutes.

 

Please always remember that support is available if you're finding it hard to cope with stress.

 

You can view EEAST’s sources of help here.

 

Mind also has a number of resources which you can access here.

 

if you need someone to talk to, you could also contact Samaritans, call: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org 

Did you know we have a new Wellbeing Team - click here to find out more about them.

 

Published 29th April 2022