Managing stress

The first step to tackling stress is to recognise what is causing it. Once you have worked this out, it will probably be easier to decide which self-help strategies are most likely to be effective. You might find it most useful to start by working out which causes you have some control over and which you don’t, and then focus on tackling the things you are able to change.

There are several areas you can make changes on that might address the causes and symptoms of stress.

Change lifestyle habits:
• Decrease your caffeine intake
• Eat a well balanced diet
• Take regular exercise
• Get enough sleep
• Have some leisure time (do something for yourself every day)
• Try relaxation techniques (for example, meditation, self hypnosis, aromatherapy, yoga).

Change stressful situations:
• Try time and money management
• Share some of your tasks with others if you can
• Practice problem-solving

Change your thinking:
• Look at things more positively
• See problems as opportunities
• Challenge negative thoughts
• Keep a sense of humour

Talk to someone:
• Get things off your chest by telling someone about the way you are feeling
• Talking things through is a vital way of easing conflicts with other people that might be causing you stress

What if I still feel stressed?

If you have tried these techniques but feel that your stress levels are still too high, the next step is normally to visit your GP. There are several things your GP might suggest in addition to self-help techniques. They will probably take into account the symptoms you are experiencing, the causes of your stress and any other health conditions (physical or mental) that you might have or be at risk of developing. Here are the most likely options you will be offered:

• Counselling
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Anger Managment
• Support Groups
• Short-term medication