Stress is a common mental health challenge which can either motivate a person to perform better or can make them anxious if not able to manage it. We have pulled together a guide to help you understand what stress is, how to identify if it is a problem and the 17 things you can do if you’re feeling stressed.

But first let’s understand what stress is and when does it become a problem.

What is stress?

According to NHS inform “Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. Pressure turns into stress when you feel unable to cope.”

How to identify if stress is a problem?

Being under mental pressure for a short period of time can be helpful. But frequent and prolonged periods of stress can lead to anxiety, depression and also affect our health and wellbeing.

Here are some signs to look out for to identify if you are feeling stressed.

Signs of stress

1. Problems with sleep
2. Feeling irritable and anxious
3. Difficulty in focusing and making decisions
4. Eating a lot or too less
5. Sweating and fast breathing
6. Getting easily angry and impatient
7. Constantly worried
8. Isolating from others

Every person may react differently depending on the situation and the level of stress. In some cases, severe stress can also lead to feeling suicidal, depressed, and lonely.

17 things you can do if you’re feeling stressed

Helen Young, our Victim and Witness Support Service Manager has provided some tips that you can find helpful when feeling stressed.

1. Just breathe

Take a few deep breaths to release the tension. You can also try some calming breathing exercises.

1. Step away from the current situation even if it’s only for a few minutes. For instance, if you are at work, step away from your desk to have a glass of water or go to the kitchen to get a cup of tea/coffee.
2. Talk to someone or watch something that makes you laugh. Even remembering joyful moments can be helpful to divert you from the stressful situation.
3. Step out in the fresh air or just open a window nearby.
4. Connect with people with whom you feel comfortable. Avoid putting yourself under stressful situations to meet new people.
5. Make time for something creative like journaling, writing, doodling or art and crafts. These activities are a great way to unwind at the end of the day.
6. Slow yourself down to avoid working hastily when stressed. We tend to work in a rushed manner when we are extremely stressed – instead try slowing down and focusing on one task at a time.
7. Make a little box which is full of nice things like your favourite chocolate, perfume, photographs, snacks, books and more. You can open this box whenever you feel stressed and take out one thing to feel de-stressed and feel relieved. You can also decorate this box which is also something you can do to de-stress.
8. Make an activity jar that contains chits which have a fun activity written on it which can help you cope with stress. The activity can be going for a short walk, eating your favourite thing, listening to your favourite song or even talking to your family or friends.
9. Celebrate your small achievements like cleaning your closet or talking a 10- minute walk. This helps feel happy and it also gives a sense of relief.
10. Focus on physical activity even if it is a 5-minute walk. Adding some physical activity in your routine helps you divert your focus and also equips your body to deal with stressful situations.
11. Take time to recognise situations that could make you stressed. This helps you be prepared for what steps you can take to cope better with stress.
12. Try to be organised by making a to-do list which helps you manage your time to avoid stress and panic. Don’t forget to add break time in as well when you make your plan for the day.
13. Try to rest well by getting a good night’s sleep so that your body and mind have fully recovered to take on the new day.
14. Take part in community activities like volunteering for your local charity or helping organise a fun community event. This helps you stay grounded and focus on the things that really matter.
15. Do not hesitate to ask for help if needed. If you feel like you cannot contact someone you trust have a look at our Get Help Now page to look for some mental health support.
16. Try peer support groups to meet like-minded people and share wellbeing tips.

You can also visit one of our Calm Spaces and Good Mood Cafes to relieve stress and connect with people in your local community. To manage work related stress, you can have a look at our Managing Mental Health in the Workplace and Mental Health Awareness training courses.