5 tips to relieve stress

Time management

Is your life hectic? Take the time to plan out your week and your day. Which tasks need to be prioritised? Can they be broken down into smaller, more manageable tasks? Can you delegate? Write lists and use your diary to allocate time slots to different tasks. If your workload is too big, accept that you can't do everything at once. Managers, colleagues, and family need to realise this as well, so speak to them about it. If you need to allocate time to fitness and meal preparation then schedule them into your diary like you would any other appointment.

Avoid or reduce caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine 

Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and so will increase your level of stress rather than reduce it. 

Alcohol is a depressant when taken in large quantities (I do not suggest getting drunk to relieve stress). In smaller quantities it acts as a stimulant.

Sleep

A lack of sleep is a significant cause of stress, but stress also interrupts our sleep as we can not switch off. There are many, many methods to improving sleep, but as one tip, try and maximise your relaxation time before going to sleep. An hour before bed time switch off from electronic devices like the TV, computer, iPad, and phone. In its place do some light housework like ironing or meal prep, take a hot bath, chat to housemates, pet the dog, or read a book.

Physical activity

Exercise can be used as a way to metabolise the excessive stress hormones and restore your body and mind to a calmer, more relaxed state. At work if tension is built up, maybe you would be best to go for a brisk walk and come back in feeling a bit calmer. Make use of your lunch break or flexible hours if you have them. You could lift weights, do some sprints, attend a high energy class, attend a relaxing yoga class, punch some boxing pads, or get out in the fresh air for a cycle, walk, or run. Regular physical activity will also improve the quality of your sleep.

Leisure time

Fit in some ‘me’ time each day and each week. Do activities that you enjoy. Work hard yes, but follow your favourite sports team, go fishing, attend the cinema, visit family etc. Mark this ‘me’ time in your diary.