7 Ways to Deal with Stress

It can be extremely stressful if you, or someone you love, struggle with everyday tasks. There may be gadgets or equipment that can relieve some of this stress by making it safer for you to move around and get on with your day! Whether it’s bed rails, shower stools, stress-relieving recliners, or walking frames, mobility aids can make your or a loved one’s life much easier!

It’s important not to underestimate the importance of stress management as stress can have a big impact on both your body and brain.  High stress levels can cause:

• High blood pressure

• Heart issues

• Struggle to sleep

• Weakened immune system

• Tension headaches

• Irritability, anxiousness, and low mood

7 ways to deal with stress

1. Exercise

Get moving, get rid of some pent-up energy, and work through these emotions! Exercise can help reduce your stress levels and alleviate anxiety by reducing your stress hormone levels, and instead encouraging the production of endorphins – also known as the feel-good hormone!

2. Meditation

Whatever your worry is, meditation is great for relieving stress as it helps stop your worries and negative thoughts racing around your mind and instead instils a sense of calm and balance. There are many different types of meditation, so why not try a few and see which one works best for you?

3. Journalling 

If you don’t want to speak to others about your worries and stresses, writing down your worries will help you process pent-up emotions. Sometimes putting what you’re thinking down on paper can help reduce your stress levels as it helps you see the bigger picture and rationalise better.

4. Laughter 

This one may seem trivial, but laughter really is the best medicine! Surrounding yourself with people who make you happy, make you laugh, and just generally put you at ease is bound to reduce your stress levels.

5. Connect with others

This is especially important if you have mobility issues or struggle to get out of the house. Social media and the internet enable you to connect with anyone and anywhere all from the comfort of your own home.

It’s also often easy to isolate yourself when you’re stressed, but it’s important to reach out to others even if it’s just for a distraction.

6. Get creative

Whether it’s musical or artistic, getting creative is a good stress reliever as it provides a fun distraction. This could be anything from adult colouring to crocheting, dancing along to disco or joining a choir.

7. Talking about it:

A problem shared truly is a problem halved. Sometimes you may not have the time or energy to try any of the above, however talking about your worries and stresses is bound to make you feel better.

A friend or family member may be able to offer solutions to help or can just be there to listen to you vent to make you feel less alone.

Where else to get help for loneliness?

If you’re really struggling to deal with stress there are some more resources on how to manage stress from Mind and the NHS.