Why November can feel heavy
International Stress Awareness Week runs from 2 to 8 November, and it comes at a time of year when many of us feel the strain. The clocks have gone back, the evenings are dark by teatime, and the run-up to Christmas brings extra pressure on money, work and family.
Stress is a normal part of life, and a little of it can even help us get things done. When it builds up over weeks or months, though, it can start to affect our sleep, our health and our relationships.
The good news is that small, everyday changes can make a real difference. Here are five you can start with this week.
5 small ways to ease stress
1. Notice the signs
Stress often shows up in the body before we recognise it in the mind. Poor sleep, headaches, a tight chest, snapping at people you care about, or struggling to concentrate can all be signs that pressure is building. Simply noticing these signals is the first step to doing something about them.
2. Get some daylight
With shorter days, many of us travel to and from work in the dark. A 10 to 15 minute walk at lunchtime gets you natural light and gentle movement, both of which can lift your mood and help you sleep better at night.
3. Breathe slowly
When we’re stressed, our breathing becomes quick and shallow. Try breathing in for a count of four, holding for four, then breathing out slowly for six. A few rounds of this can help settle your body, and you can do it anywhere, from your desk to the car park.
4. Talk to someone
Keeping worries to yourself can make them feel bigger. Sharing what’s on your mind with a friend, family member or colleague can help you see things more clearly and feel less alone with them.
5. Ask for help
If stress is affecting your sleep, your work or your relationships, or you’ve been feeling this way for a while, it may be time to speak to someone trained to help. Counselling gives you a safe, confidential space to talk through what’s going on and find ways forward.
We’re here for you
Westmeria Counselling has offered low-cost counselling to people across Bromley since 2003. We set no fixed fee, so cost doesn’t have to stand in the way of getting support.
If you’d like to talk to one of our counsellors, visit westmeriacounselling.co.uk to find out more and get in touch.
If you’re in crisis or need to talk to someone right now, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123.