After a stressful day or event, taking time to wind down and practice self-care or stress management strategies is essential to help bring yourself back into balance.

Everyday things you can do to help manage stress

• Practice calm, deep breathing
• Incorporate good nutrition, adequate sleep and exercise
• Allow time for recovery after periods of ongoing stress or traumatic events
• Spend time with people who understand
• Block out time to do something enjoyable every day and make this a priority. This might include exercise, hobbies, or catching up with friends.

Strategies for stress at home

• Recognise your thoughts. Become aware of your emotional reactions to stress. Can you recognise negative thought patterns and begin to manage them?
• Have realistic expectations. Wherever possible, ensure that you have realistic expectations matched to resources. It is really feasible for you to cook home-made meals from scratch every night of the week?
• Be flexible. Focus on what you CAN do, rather than trying to change things that aren’t going to shift. You can manage how the evening routine runs at the end of the day, but can you manage the mood or emotions of your partner or children when you get home from work?
• Self-care. What works for you? A Bubble bath, writing, seeking external support

Self-care activities we love

Active
Walking, running, yoga, dancing, gym, weights, team sports, gardening

Passive
Journaling, breathing exercises, colouring in, listening to music, guided imagery, reading

What works for you? If you tend to always do one type, try another for a change. For example, if you always run to clear your mind, try meditation and see if works for you as well.

Sometimes different stresses require a different approach. There is no one response to stress management that will work for everyone, so trying different things may be just the strategy for you.

Wellbeing matters

It’s easy to get carried away in our busy lifestyles, with a majority of us rarely setting time out for ourselves to slow down, get enough rest, exercise and eat a nutritious diet. Prioritising time to practice self-care and support yourself during stressful times can help to mitigate its negative effects and help you to be more in control of your reactions and emotions.

For stress management strategies at work, click here.

Alternatively, read our article on Resilience in the workplace or check out these 7 free health and wellbeing apps as recommended by our clinicians for more support in managing your stress.