How to cope with stress

Image via BLW Photography

Everyone suffers from stress, but at times it can all be too much. Long hours, deadlines and just dealing with the wrong kinds of people can all contribute to a fraying sense of mental health. Too much stress can also have physical side effects from the irritation of headaches to the life threatening illnesses like heart attacks and strokes. There are a number of things you can do to help you take back control.

Recognise the signs

Stress can take many forms and can affect every area of your life. If things aren’t right then it’s important you recognise the signs. If you are feeling apathy, have lowered productivity and are easy to anger the chances are you are feeling stressed. If it has carried over to outside the workplace with loss of appetite or sleep deprivation then it’s time to look at your situation and work out what isn’t right.

Assess the situation

Sometimes you just have to step back and work out what’s pushing you so hard. Do you have the right skills and training for your job? Are you being asked to do too much? Just ploughing through work can be unproductive in itself. Answer these simple questions to see the bigger picture and make a detailed plan of action. Keeping your work organised and prioritising correctly might result in lessening stress.

Find time for yourself

Does it sometimes seem that all you is eat sleep and work? If you don’t take time to channel your energies into anything other than work, you might find yourself getting depressed. Even if just for one night a week, find a creative outlet: try art, a new musical instrument or even a sporting activity.  The brain needs a distraction from the everyday grind, and you might surprise yourself that by not thinking about something, you actually come up with a solution for it.

Treat your body right

As well as keeping active, it is important to put the right things into your body. Keeping your blood sugar levels balanced will ultimately help you avoid sudden mood swings or fatigue. To keep them level, it is important to eat regular meals with the right balance.  If stress has led you to a reliance on cigarettes or alcohol, that might provide some brief relief but will ultimately only exacerbate your problems. A balanced diet will give you a balanced mind and body.

Seek advice

If stress is getting too much and you are starting to feel trapped, then it is important to seek the support of others. Talk to friends and family and tell them how you are feeling. If you don’t want to share these feelings with those someone close then there is always the option of a help line or even your GP or health care professional.

Have you ever had to deal with stress? If so tell us then you can share your experience and advice in the comments section below.

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