If you're stressed, whether by your job or something more personal, the first step to feeling better is to identify the cause.
The most unhelpful thing you can do is turn to something unhealthy to help you cope, such as smoking or drinking.
Not taking control of the situation and doing nothing can make your problems worse.
Some of the keys to good stress management are building emotional strength, being incontrol of your situation, having a good social network, and adopting apositive outlook.
What you cando to address stress
Try these 10 stress-busting suggestions:
Be active
Exercise won't make your stress disappear, but it can reduce some of the emotional intensity that you're feeling, clearing your thoughts and letting you deal with your problems more calmly.
For more advice, read about exercise for depression.
Take control
If you think you cannot do anything about your problem, your stress can get worse.
That feeling of loss of control is one of the main causes of stress and lack of wellbeing.
The act of taking control is in itself empowering, and it's a crucial part of finding a solution that satisfies you and not someone else.
Connect with people
A good support network of colleagues, friends and family canease your work troubles and help you see things in a different way.
The activities we do with friends can help us relax and relieve stress.
Talking things through with a friend may also help you find solutions to your problems.
Read about 5 steps to mental wellbeing, including the benefits of connecting with other people.
Have some "me time"
Many of us work long hours, meaning we often don't spend enough time doing things we really enjoy.
It's important to take some time for socialising, relaxation or exercise.
You could try setting aside a couple of nights a week for some quality "me time" away from work.
Challenge yourself
Setting yourself goals and challenges, whether at work or outside, such as learning a new language or a new sport, can help build confidence. This may help you deal with stress.
It can also make you want to do things and be active.
Avoid unhealthy habits
Don't rely on alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping.
They might provide temporary relief, but in the long term, these crutches won't solve your problems. They'll just create new ones.
It's best to tackle the cause of your stress.
Help other people
Evidence shows that people who help others, through activities such as volunteering or community work, often become more resilient.
If you don't have time to volunteer, try to do someone a favour every day. It can be something assmall as helping someone cross the road or going on a coffee run for colleagues.
Find out more about giving for mental wellbeing
Work smarter, not harder
Working smarter means prioritising your work, concentrating on the tasks that'll make a real difference.
Leave the least important tasks to last. Accept that you will not have time for everything.
Try to be positive
Look for the positives in life, and things for which you're grateful.
Try writingdown 3 things that went well, or for which you're grateful, at the end of every day.
Audio: unhelpful thinking
In this audio guide, a doctor helps you to replace negative thoughts with more positive thinking.
Media last reviewed: 2 March 2024
Media review due: 2 March 2027
Accept the things you can't change
Changing a difficult situation isn't always possible. Try to concentrate on the things you do have control over.
For example, if your company is making redundancies, you could focus on the things that you can control, such as looking for a new job.
Audio: sleep problems
In this audio guide, a doctor explains what you can do to give yourself the best chance of a good night's sleep.
Media last reviewed: 2 March 2024
Media review due: 2 March 2027
