Stress Less Day NSW on Sunday, 20 October should be a change date for us all – let us plan to do one thing that we have been putting off! In celebration of Mental Health Month, “Kindness: little acts, big impacts!”, we can have a look at how we manage stress and how we can be kind to ourselves and others in the process.
Small amounts of stress are ok for us – stress can help us into action, or motivate us to get something done. It’s the overwhelming stress that is bad for our health. Having a go at one of the following tips may help to you to feel better about things:
- Enjoy some physical activity – go for a walk
- Get enough sleep – turn off the TV a couple of nights a week
- Eat well – try to consume 2 fruit and 5 veg each day
- Be involved in your community - volunteer
- Spend time with your family and friends
- Prioritise and set realistic goals
- Offer and accept help
- Do one thing at a time
- Let go of what you can’t control
- Make time for some fun!
Apart from these ideas we know that expressing gratitude, adopting muscle relaxation exercise, giving your mobile/iPod ‘a rest’, and easing back on too much or late-day caffeine can decrease stress and have a positive effect on the way we live life, day to day.
Individual habits ingrained over years or decades are hard to change. Inactivity, poor food choices, a skewed sense of work/life balance, and ignoring the larger issue of purpose or meaning – make the challenge even greater.
For more tips visit www.stresslesstips.org.au
Or visit the “Feeling Stressed? Try this!” information stall in the OrangeHealth Service foyer on Tuesday, 22nd October, 9.30am-12.30pm.
Anyone with concerns about their mental health or that of a loved one should call the Mental Health Line on free call 1800 011 511 or contact their GP.
Media Contact: Vanessa Delaney, Media Manager Ph 6369 3833 or 0417 511 738
