Self Care:

• Sleep (notice shifts in sleep patterns)

• Diet (keep regular and healthy)

• Exercise (step this up at times of stress to 4-5 times each week)

• No Alcohol (this negatively impacts on mood and quality of sleep)

 

Self Awareness:

• Notice and name the different emotions/feelings

• Accept that these are normal and healthy in times of stress

• You may feel a raft of different feelings in a short time

• The intensity of these feelings may vary at different times

 

Talk/share:

• Share your concerns, fears, thoughts rather than hold them to yourself

• You will learn you are not on your own with many of your thoughts

• Don’t hesitate to go to your GP if you are finding your thoughts particularly distressing that they are impacting on your ability to function

 

Measure your wellbeing:

• Be aware of how long signs and symptoms of stress are lasting

• Don’t put up with the negative symptoms for too long (e.g., if poor sleep or appetite continues for 4-5 days make an appointment to see your GP

• If your thoughts are negative or anxiety-provoking 7O% of the time you will benefit from some assistance to help balance them better

• The sooner you get assistance with your ability to manage stress the better for everyone