Tips to combat stress

Each April we mark Stress Awareness Month, with the aim of understanding the effects stress can have on your body, thoughts, and behaviour. This year’s theme, #LittleByLittle, aims to highlight the positive impact of consistent, small actions can have on your overall wellness.  

Combating stress doesn't always require huge amounts of effort but rather small and regular actions that build up results over time. Here are some of our suggestions of small actions that may help to make big changes: 

Connect with others: Are they okay? Are you okay?  

Check in with friends and family, lean on them for support when you need it most. A sense of belonging and community can help reduce feelings of loneliness. 

Prioritise sleep: Are you getting at least 7 hours a night? 

Take small steps to improve your bedtime routine. Wind down before bed by spending time reading, minimising screentime and creating a dark, quiet and relaxing environment. 

Make moves: Step up to the challenge 

Find a way to move that you’ll enjoy. Whether it's going for a brisk walk, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym, regular exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural stress-reliever. 

Practice mindfulness and meditation: Take time for yourself 

Meditation can be hugely beneficial in reducing stress. By focusing on the here and now, you can create a sense of calm and resilience to help you improve your emotional control and resilience. 

Seeking Support: A problem shared is a problem halved 

It's okay to not have all the answers or to handle everything on your own. Seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can provide valuable perspective and guidance during challenging times. 

Embrace the power of #LittleByLittle in your quest to beat stress. By incorporating these techniques into daily life and creating good habits of self-care and resilience, you can gradually reduce stress, reclaiming our peace of mind and vitality one small step at a time.