Feeling stressed?
If you haven’t been feeling yourself lately, or you know a friend or family member who’s been a bit down, our handy resources below could help you out.
If you feel like you may be a danger to yourself or anyone around you, don’t forget you can hit the emergency call line button in the top left of this screen for confidential support.
Things I can do
Stay active
Exercise is good for you. Moving about can lower your stress levels, take your mind off things and make you feel better. It’s not a magic pill that completely gets rid of stress, but it can help to remove some of the pressure.
Be proactive
Got something on your mind? Taking action might seem overwhelming, but often, the problem gets worse if you don’t do anything about it. Stay calm, think and try to work out how you’ll approach the issue – it’ll help you to feel more in control.
Make time with your mates
Having your mates as a support system is good for you. Spending time chatting with them, whether in-person, on the phone or as part of a group video call, can really lift your spirits. Why not suggest a walk with one of your friends if you have some spare time?
Me, myself and I
It’s all well and good to spend time on the phone talking to others, but we all need some time to ourselves - know what I mean? Whether you’ve had a bad day in the office, or you’ve got something on your mind, having some “me time” can help. Make sure to take the time to relax and see if it does the trick.
Try something new
Life can sometimes get a bit mundane, and you start to lose interest, but the brain is a sharp tool if honed properly. Try something new to keep yourself on your toes – you’ll be surprised what you can pick up. How about learning a language or doing something arty? Check out local adult learning classes in Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Luton.
Give your habits a workout
Unhealthy habits like drinking too much alcohol, smoking and being inactive can affect how you cope with stress. Using these as a crutch when you’re stressed isn’t the best thing to do. Facing the problem head-on will help you to tackle the root of your stress. If you’re ready to give up smoking, Milton Keynes Hospital and the Stop Smoking Service can help you on your journey. If you’re concerned about your drinking, our ‘Drinking too much alcohol?’ section is full of tips and advice for cutting down and can point you to the best places to go for local support.
Lend a hand
This might sound a little strange, but doing good can make you feel good. Doing some work for charities or in the community helps. Working on community projects can also sometimes help you with your own situation, as well as make you more mindful.
Get your gears in check
Take a step back every now and again, assess the situation and notice what you’re doing. You can often get stressed thinking about life, and it’s normal for things to feel chaotic sometimes. Create a list of things to do and prepare to work through them one by one – this will help prevent you from feeling stressed out.
Spread the positivity
Take note of your feelings across the various times of the day, as well as the physical state you are in (are you tense? Try and take a deep breath). If you’re feeling stressed or down, do something small that makes you happy, such as going for a walk or chatting with a mate. It’s not always easy to stay positive, but if you’re in a good mood, you’re likely to share that positivity with others and make them feel good too. We know, it’s cheesy, but give it a go!
Go with the flow
There are some things we just aren’t able to control, and at times like this, acceptance is the only option. Still, that’s easier said than done. Speaking to a therapist can help you to accept the things you cannot change and move forward. To access mental health services on the NHS, speak to your GP.