Practicing self care to reduce stress

Today is National Stress Awareness Day, a chance to stop and recognise if we are becoming overwhelmed by stress and why. 

Everyone experiences stress, but high levels of stress can become overwhelming and lead to burnout and health issues.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress it is important to understand what is causing this and how it can be resolved.

Practicing self care can help reduce the feelings of stress and make you relax. The meaning of self care is different for everyone: it could mean anything from making sure you eat breakfast to booking a holiday. We’ve rounded up five easy ways to practice self care.

Take a walk

Whether you head for your local park or just down the high street, going for a walk can do wonders to reduce stress. Getting out into the fresh air can help clear your head and take your mind off of the pressures in your life. It is also great exercise.

Top tip: Leave your phone at home for a more stress-free experience.

Treat yourself

Some of us are more guilty than others of saying treat yo’ self when you see the perfect top/bag/chocolate bar/anything in a shop, but it can be a great way to show some self love.

Treating yourself doesn’t have to mean a shopping spree and post-spending regret: it can be as simple as doing something you wouldn’t everyday.

At Source HQ some of our favourite ways to treat ourselves include getting our nails done or buying cupcakes for the office.

Top tip: Only spend within your means when you treat yourself to something special. Spending money you don’t have will only lead to more stress.

Start a new hobby

Taking up a new hobby is a great way to find motivation. A hobby could be anything you enjoy doing from photography or baking to reading a book or colouring. Doing something therapeutic like knitting or gardening can help you relax, whilst still keeping your mind active.

Top tip: Pick a hobby that you have time for in your schedule and that won’t cost you a lot of money.

Have a pamper night

Having a pamper night is a great cost-effective way to relax and use up the old face masks sitting in the back of your cupboard. Set yourself up with a good movie, some sweet treats and dedicate a night to painting your nails, deep conditioning your hair and good skincare.

Top tip: Get your friends involved and have everyone bring a different product for a seriously luxurious night.

Get some sleep

Stress can often lead to losing sleep due to worry or because we can’t switch off, but it is also essential to reducing stress. A lack of sleep can make us more susceptible to health problems.

We all need between eight and ten hours sleep a night so it is important to make it a priority not an afterthought.

Top tip: Go to bed and get up at the same time everyday to get into a good sleep pattern.

For more resources on how to handle stress click here.

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