Top 5 Stress Busters

Stress is a normal part of life, we all know what it’s like to feel stressed and overwhelmed when everything gets too much. Stress can lead to mental health issues or even make existing problems worse.

We’re giving you 5 top tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing so that you can reduce the impact stress has on your life.

1. Practise mindfulness

Mindfulness is a meditation technique which requires work. It’s like learning a new skill, the idea is to notice what’s happening in your present mind, body and surroundings. Practising mindfulness can help you become more self-aware, feel calmer and cope with overwhelming thoughts. There are mindfulness exercises to suit everyone including colouring and drawing, listening to sounds on apps, eating and even yoga.

2. Bullet Journaling

Stress levels are mounting in this age of social media, we’re always so busy and planning all these events, meetings and appointments can be stressful. Millions choose a bullet journal to plan and reflect life. A Bullet Journal is a planner, diary and written meditation in equal parts. The idea is you can customise your bullet journal as much or as little as you like to help you organise all your life events. Entries are tagged with bullet points, arrows, asterisks, dashes and other graphics so you can easily see important information at a glance.

3. Get a four-legged friend

It’s only recently that studies have begun to scientifically explore the benefits of the human-animal bond. Many of us are unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that accompany the pleasure of snuggling up to a cat or dog. Pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness. Owning a pen provides sensory stress relief, stroking a dog, cat, or other furry friends can lower blood pressure and help you quickly feel calmer and less stressed.

4. Sleep

Stress often disturbs sleep which can have a deep impact on our lives. Not getting enough sleep can make you feel even worse. Most adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Having a restful night’s sleep calms and restores the body, improves concentration and sharpens the mind, meaning you’re able to make better decisions.

5. Exercise

A great way to reduce stress is exercise and other physical activity, as this produces endorphins which act as a natural painkiller. Making your body feel better through physical activity will make your mind feel better as well, so exercise is well worth it, even if it's just going for a brisk stroll.