Last Month (April) was Stress Awareness month, but stress is something that happens all year round for many people. It is important to speak up and talk about it! Stress is all around whether that be at home, work, school or in your personal life.

There are many ways you can destress or reduce your stress levels by applying small regular self help practices into your everyday routine. It doesn’t have to be a mammoth change. The little things can really go a long way and that’s why the Stress Management Society UK has been promoting the #littlebylittle campaign to showcase how small positive actions can massively improve your overall wellbeing when it comes to stress levels.

Here at What’son we have put together 6 ways that you can practice self care to make your day to day life with all its stresses a little easier…

1. Journaling

Image Credits: Good Housekeeping

Writing things down can be a really good way to express yourself. A journal is the perfect place for this! You can have a digital journal, make your own one like a scrapbook or purchase one. It is a really positive creative outlet as a journal can become like a creative project to get your teeth into and really take your mind off any stresses of the day however major or minor they may be.

2. Exercise

Image Credits: Healthline

Moving about can really calm us down when we are stressed and feeling all this pent up energy. Destressing is all about taking your mind off of things and doing something else productive. Exercise is great for this because not only is it good for your physical health with lots of research out there suggesting it can help you become healthier and is good for a balanced lifestyle  it can also boost your serotonin making you happier and less stressed. It is the perfect distraction!

3. Speak out

Image credits: Facebook

Don’t bottle it all up! Speak up about your stress and how you are feeling. This could take a little bit of the weight off your shoulders speaking to friends, family, an anonymous support websites or a professional. Open conversations around stress and stress management are really important for people of all ages. It is not something that should be taboo or we shy away from as well experience it on a day to day basis. You can reflect on your stress in a variety of different ways whether that be discussing your day around the dinner table asking other friends or family if there is anything you can do to reduce stress for anyone around you.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Image Credits: WIRED

Mindfulness is a simple thing that doesn’t have to take up lots of time. Simply sitting back and focusing on your breathing, closing your eyes and reflecting on the day for a few minutes every day can really put things into perspective! Mindfulness is all about taking time away to prioritize your own wellness and health.

5. Prioritize sleep

Image credits: Medical News Today

Doom Scrolling! It is a big danger that happens to the best of us. After a busy day of your mind running a million miles an hour it can be tempting to sit in bed, scroll on TikTok, look at cute cats doing silly dances on Instagram or see what your favorite influencer has been up to with their hundreds of posted stories/updates for you to trail through.

Reducing your phone use and prioritizing sleep in the evenings can really help you feel energized and ready to take on the day. You can improve your sleep and therefore your stress levels by removing distractions like phones and doom scrolling by placing your phone away from you when you sleep, so you are not tempted to pick it up.

A way to regulate your sleep schedule can simply be by setting an alarm of when you go to bed, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, so as to create a less stressful routine. If you remove all your work things from your sleeping space this can create routine and help your mind separate your rest and work, so that you don’t get burnt out!

6.Connect with nature

Image Credits: Picjumbo

Connecting with nature doesn’t have to be a big song and dance! It can simply be sitting outside and taking in your surroundings, gardening, visiting a local park. This can also double up as an opportunity to spend some time alone to reflect on your stress and practice mindfulness. You can also use time in nature to encourage open narrative conversations about stress as nature is calming so this may encourage you to open up more.

Keep calm and practice self care to relieve your stress!

For more information and support you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 if you are in the UK.