Life can feel like a constant juggling act. In between our home and work lives, we somehow have to squeeze in all of those errands, social commitments, breaks, hobbies and other responsibilities. And, all while not forgetting to drink enough water, hit 10k steps daily, get enough sleep and vitamin D, etc.
It’s a lot, right?
But it’s so important to recognise when ‘a lot’ becomes ‘too much’, because stress can hit our health and wellbeing in a multitude of ways, both physically and mentally.
Table of Contents
Signs You Could Be Stressed Busy = Stressed? 10 Practical Ways To Manage Stress 1. One thing at a time 2. Learn to say ‘no’ 3. Rest… really rest 4. Get the basics covered 5. Make time for YOU! 6. Move your body 7. Talk to people 8. Avoid the typical vices 9. Help other people 10. Finally, take control!
Signs You Could Be Stressed
Stress isn’t just something that lives in your head. Some of the more obvious ways it can show up include:
Feeling irritable or unable to concentrate
Feeling anxious, nervous and/or panicky
Struggling to switch off and/or sleep properly
Fatigue or ‘burn-out’
Low motivation
And there are also more serious symptoms, such as:
Difficulty breathing and/or panic attacks
Chest pains and high blood pressure
Feeling sick, dizzy or fainting
Blurred eyesight or sore eyes
If you’re experiencing any of the more severe symptoms, it’s important to speak to your doctor or other healthcare professional. They’ll be able to rule out other conditions and provide the personalised support you need.
Busy = Stressed?
I could name many iconic duos: Thelma and Louise, Sonny and Cher, Ant and Dec, the Olsen twins.
‘Busy’ and ‘Stressed’ do not make the cut.
Many people think that being busy and feeling stressed go hand in hand. But there’s a way we can all navigate our busy lives without it bringing us down and putting us at risk of burnout!
10 Practical Ways To Manage Stress
If you’ve read our blog before, you’ll know we’re big advocates of the mantra, ‘small changes, big difference’. Because when you read articles telling you that you need to overhaul your life to improve your wellbeing - well, for many people, that’s simply impossible to implement!
So, with this in mind, below are 10 practical things you can do to help reduce stress levels and bring a bit more balance back into your day.
1. One thing at a time
The more plates you spin at once, the more likely they’ll come crashing down! Alright, we all need to multitask sometimes, but if you’re feeling the weight of your to-do list, then it’s best to break it down one job at a time.
It’s all part of working smarter: prioritise tasks and then focus on the ones that will make a genuine difference first (ticking them off one by one).
2. Learn to say ‘no’
Two letters. One word. So why is ‘no’ so hard to say sometimes? It’s because many of us fear that turning something down will hurt someone else’s feelings, and that takes precedence over our own.
But here’s the thing: setting boundaries isn’t rude, it’s essential in protecting your time, energy and wellbeing. And take it from me, it gets easier once you’ve done it once!
3. Rest… really rest
It’s wrong to think we need to ‘earn’ rest, or that an afternoon on the sofa after a jam-packed week is ‘lazy’. Our bodies need time to recharge; carving out time for R&R helps us feel calmer and more able to cope.
Don’t be hard on yourself for indulging in an afternoon of series-binging or doing nothing but reading your book in the garden. And if your racing mind is stopping you from fully relaxing, an anti-anxiety supplement like Calmee could help bring this under control.
4. Get the basics covered
When we feel rushed off our feet, the ‘basics’ are usually the first to go. “I’ve been too busy to eat lunch / drink water / exercise”... you get the gist.
But when we start skipping meals, not hydrating properly, missing breaks or sacrificing sleep, this makes stress feel more intense because our bodies are running on empty. Prioritising those simple foundations - eating well, resting, staying hydrated, moving your body - can make a huge difference to how capable and resilient we feel from day to day.
5. Make time for YOU!
For many people (especially parents), life involves a lot of caring for other people. But that shouldn’t mean you forget your own needs in the process!
Making time to do something you enjoy is so important, even when life is busy. It needn’t be productive, and it needn’t be time-consuming, but it should be just for you. Doing your nails with a face mask, getting outside to do some gardening, heading out on a walk with your favourite podcast in ear. Aim to do one thing just for you every day, no matter how small (or big) it is!
6. Move your body
Exercise is a natural stress reliever as it pumps endorphins (happy hormones) around the body, while at the same time reduces cortisol (the stress hormone).
When you don’t have time to commit to a workout class, gym sesh or 5k run, think about how you can incorporate a little bit of movement into your daily routine. For instance, you could ride intro work, take a stroll on your lunch break, or set that alarm a little earlier so you’ve 15 spare minutes for a YouTube video.
7. Talk to people
A problem shared is a problem halved, right? Well, in the very same way, speaking to someone about how you feel could be really useful in helping to ease stress.
That person may help you see things in a fresh perspective, or offer solutions to some of the things that have been bothering you.
8. Avoid the typical vices
You might be tempted to glug a glass of Pinot after a hectic day, but you’re far better off relieving tension with something that’s better for your body (and mind): a stroll, bath, or perhaps a guided meditation.
Alcohol and nicotine might provide temporary relief, but relying on these as your stress-relievers will only create new problems later down the line.
9. Help other people
It feels good to do good! And in fact, research suggests that helping other people can directly lower stress and improve our mental wellbeing.
Don't have time to volunteer? You could build small acts of kindness into yours days instead. I.e., drop off that bag of unwanted clothes at the charity shop, write a shining review for a small business, or pay it forward the next time you visit your fave coffee shop!
10. Finally, take control!
And by take control, we mean this:
1. Recognise what’s making you stressed
2. Acknowledge there are things that can help
3. Take steps to address the root cause
4. Reaffirm: “I am in control”
The act of taking control is incredibly empowering and is key in finding solutions to help you manage your stress and protect your wellbeing now and in future.
The Author: Toni Waterfall-Chapman
Toni is the co-founder of Extracted, where her journey into supplements began with a personal battle with insomnia. A copywriter by trade with a degree in English Language, she’s passionate about health, nutrition and helping people feel like the best version of themselves - naturally.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
How do I take Hydree?
Add 1 sachet to a glass or water bottle, pour over chilled water and mix well. Natural Himalayan salt can cause a small amount of sediment, so if you’re using a bottle, just give it a quick shake before sipping.
Is Calmee safe to take long term?
Yes, Calmee has been designed to take long-term. Calmee can be taken either as needed or daily. Calmee is also safe to take alongside our sleep supplement, Sleepee and our Magnesium Complex.
Where is Extracted based?
We’re a fully UK business. Our main offices are in Bath, while our manufacturing facilities are in London.
How do your subscriptions work?
Subscriptions are a convenient way to get your supplements delivered every month. After purchasing you will receive an email to manage your subscription.
You can cancel or pause at any time. We also send out handy reminders 3 days before you are billed so you know when your next pouch is on its way!
