Stress Free Summer

This time of year can produce some really good stress and bad stress. Especially if you’re in-between jobs.

Family, celebrations and money can cause stress – especially if these three are not in balance. For those of us who might not be spending time with their family, it can be very difficult.

Making time to relax in your time off means you can make the most of your time away from work.

What is Good stress and Bad stress

Remember that not all stress is “bad stress” – a little stress can help us work to meet deadlines or run faster to get the ball at footy. It is when the stress levels get too much that we need to take steps to release and reduce stress. Incolink counsellors have some tips for keeping your stress levels down.

Top 10 Tips

1. Get moving – It might not be stress – it could be excess energy you need to release. Go for a walk, a run, a surf, a swim or to the gym.
2. Breathe deeply – for immediate relief take . 5 slow, deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
3. Clear your thoughts – Set your problems down for a while and then see how you feel. Stepping back can sometimes help you see things more clearly.
4. Meditate – perhaps go to stressremedy.com and listen to a free guided meditation. In as little as 3 minutes you could feel calmer.
5. Focus on what is happening right now – not worry about the past or get anxious about the future.
6. Crank up the music – Take 10 minutes to listen/dance/sing to your favourite tunes.
7. Sleep well – no TV or phones in the bedroom make for a better sleep.
8. Skip the coffee – Too much caffeine can increase the stress you feel.
9. Spend time with a dog or cat – just 10 minutes with a dog or cat can significantly reduce the production of the stress hormone, cortisol.
10. Reach out – talk to someone about what might be bothering you. Feeling a little more connected to others helps us manage stress.