Reducing stress levels can have an immediate effect as well as protecting long-term health. Below are some strategies for reducing stress:
- Identify what’s causing stress. Monitor your state of mind throughout the day. If you feel stressed, write down the cause, your thoughts and your mood. Once you know what’s bothering you, develop a plan for addressing it. List all your commitments, assess your priorities and then eliminate any tasks that are not absolutely essential.
- Build strong relationships. Relationships can be both a source of stress and a support mechanism. Reach out to family members or close friends and let them know you’re having a tough time. They may be able to offer practical assistance and support, useful ideas or just a fresh perspective as you begin to tackle whatever is causing your stress.
- Walk away when you’re angry. Before you react, take time to regroup by counting to 10. Then reconsider. Walking or other physical activities can also help you work off steam. Plus, exercise increases the production of endorphins, your body’s natural mood-booster.
- Rest your mind. Stress keeps more than 40% of adults lying awake at night. To help ensure you get the recommended seven to eight hours sleep, cut back on caffeine, remove distractions such as television or computers from your bedroom and go to bed at the same time each night. Yoga and relaxation exercise also reduces stress.
- Get help. If you continue to feel overwhelmed, consult with your GP or your EAP Assist counsellor to help you learn how to manage stress effectively. He or she can help you identify situations or behaviours that contribute to your chronic stress and then develop an action plan for changing them.
Workplace mental health solutions delivered via smart devices and online are an efficient way to provide quicker and accessible support and training to address stress. See:
For digital programs: https://eapassist.com.au/digital/
For wellness apps: https://eapassist.com.au/wellness-apps/