From the pandemic to the cost of living crisis, we’ve been through a lot in the past few years. It is no surprise that stress-related illness and anxiety are on the rise in the UK.
In 2021, the UK lost approximately 17 million working days to stress, depression, and anxiety. The Mental Health Foundation reported that the percentage of people experiencing anxiety around financial pressure is rising.
With this in mind, stress has become an inevitable part of our lives, whether that’s personal or professional. However, this doesn’t mean it has to control us. There are techniques we can use in our day-to-day lives that help us manage our symptoms, and even conquer them.
We’ve put together a list of handy stress management tips and tricks to start living a more healthy and fulfilled life.
Recognise Your Triggers
The first step towards effective stress management is understanding what triggers your stress. It could be deadlines at work, relationship issues, financial concerns, or even daily commute hassles. By identifying these stressors, you gain better control over your emotions and can devise targeted coping mechanisms.
Prioritise Self-Care
Amid the trials and tribulations of everyday life, we often neglect ourselves. It’s important to take time out to look after yourself. This could start from the little things, such as cooking your favourite meal and turning on your favourite TV show, to pursuing a hobby. Self-care isn’t selfish and is key to living a balanced life.
Establish Boundaries
Learning how to say no is extremely important. From taking on too many responsibilities at work to spreading yourself too thin in your personal life can increase anxiety and stress. Feel free to respectfully step away from uncomfortable situations and toxic environments. Learning how to be assertive and establishing your own boundaries is a skill we believe everybody should strive towards.
Recognise it is not weak to ask for help
Asking for help when we are struggling should be encouraged. Being overwhelmed for an extended period of time can lead to mental and physical illness. It is important to know when things are getting too much and that there is help out there. Talking to a trusted friend, going to therapy, and attending community support groups are all amazing ways to put yourself first.
Stress is an inevitable part of modern-day life, but it doesn’t mean it should control us. Incorporating these 4 steps into your life is a great first step for overcoming stress. Looking after ourselves isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. Investing in yourself is the best way to live a happier, stress-free life.
How can The Women’s Organisation help?
We are running a ‘Sort Your Stress Out’ workshop for women in the Liverpool City Region looking for top tips to build healthy habits, set boundaries, and create coping mechanisms. You can secure your place at the session here.
We also have a wider range of courses dedicated to bettering the well-being of our local community. You can find more information here.
