This month is Stress Awareness Month.
We thought it would be the perfect time to ask our colleagues at Brierley Community Hub and Café in Little Hulton, what their stress relief and self-care tips are.
At certain times in life, you may feel more stressed than others. It is important to know what is causing to you to feel stressed and how to manage your feelings. Knowing how to manage your stress, can make a big difference to your mental health.
Gaynor, the manager at Brierley Community Hub shared her top tip – “Hi, I am Gaynor. I am the centre manager here at Brierley. I like to de-stress at home by practicing Pilates, I’ve only just started this, but I am getting there, just about. I find the deep breathing exercises really, really, helpful. Another de-stress for me is losing myself in the soaps, especially coronation street. Sometimes I think I live around the corner, the characters become that real.”
Hayley, a Support Worker Level 3 told us – “I de-stress by using breathing techniques, which I learned through cognitive behavioural therapy. This really helps me to relax, when I am feeling stressed.”
To find out more about Cognitive behavioural therapy please visit Overview – Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – NHS (www.nhs.uk).
Dawn, who is our Catering Training Officer at the Brierley Café said – “When I am at home and I feel stressed, I like to do adult colouring as this helps to make me feel calm. I also like to watch my favourite shows on TV, as I am able to ‘switch off’.
Maria, a Support Worker Level 2 gave us her advice – “When I am stressed, I like to take my dog for a walk because it helps clear my head. Later, I like to watch TV while the dog snuggles in for cuddles. I have noticed since getting my dog, my mental health has improved.”
We hope this has given you some inspiration and ideas. Why don’t you take 10 minutes out of your day to think about what helps make you feel better when you are feeling stressed? Whether it’s some light exercise, watching tv, reading a book or some creative colouring, just do what makes you happy and relaxed.
The Stress Management Society pride themselves on supporting the community by sharing free resources, packed with useful tips and tools to support your mental health and wellbeing. Please follow the link to find the resources – Free Resources – The Stress Management Society % %
