We all get stressed. Family, relationships, work, money – life can be stressful! Don’t let it get on top of you. Recognise how you cope and take control by doing the things that you know will help. We’ve all got our own ways of dealing with stress. Different things help different people.
Here are some ideas:
Take time to do things you enjoy – exercise, music, walking, whatever it is that your into make sure you find the time to do it. Just getting away from it all for a while can help to make the problem seem more manageable and give you a different view.
Click here for a list of leisure centres in Camden
Click here for the exercise referral scheme that you can access through your doctor
Click here for music, entertainment and events in Camden
If you’re in Camden you might be interested in Music & Change, a project for and run by young people which uses music as a tool for promoting positive mental health, community integration and employment: http://www.musicandchange.com/
Talk to someone - Find out what someone you trust thinks. This could be a close friend or family member. Alternatively, try and get things down on paper. Sometimes writing about your problems or worries can help you make sense of them. But for some it helps to talk to someone that they don’t know, someone who is trained, can offer professional advice and comes from outside of your difficulties. Take a look at the finding support and helpline sections to see what professional help is out there.
Magazines, books and the web – Take a look at magazines, books or the Internet. They contain lots of information that can give you ideas on how to sort things out. Your doctor can get you access to some useful books (link to books on prescription here). Take a look at the links section for details of useful websites.
Sleep Well - If you stay up late stressing about things it makes the problem seem worse. Things look better after a good nights sleep.
Sleep Tips:
1. Try to get a regular sleeping pattern – go to bed and get up at the same time each day. Lying in bed all day can just leave you feeling worse.
2. Regular exercise improves your sleep, but don’t exercise just before you go to bed as your body needs time to wind down.
3. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and large meals before you sleep.
Click here for a booklet of sleeping tips.
Food and Mood – A balanced diet will help improve your fitness and mood. Too much caffeine (cola, tea, coffee, energy drinks) can make you agitated and anxious.
Meditating - This is about clearing your head of all the stuff that builds up over the day. Anyone can do it but it takes a bit of practice. Start by doing the steps below for a minute or two and gradually build up so that you are meditating for 10-15 minutes each time.
1. Find somewhere quiet.
2. Lie or sit in a comfortable position.
3. Close your eyes and picture yourself in a place where you feel relaxed – other thoughts, images and noises may distract you. Just try and let them drift past.
Deep breathing - a really good way to relax when things start getting on top of you.
1. Breathe in slowly through your nose so that your stomach expands.
2. Hold the breath in for a couple of seconds.
3. Breathe out slowly through your mouth.
4. Repeat this several times.
Man not superman - Be your own man. Don’t be afraid to live your life your way. Take responsibility for your actions. Make decisions for yourself, not because you think it’s what’s expected of you.
Useful websites:
BBC Headroom: www.bbc.co.uk/headroom/ – BBC campaign aimed at encouraging people to look after their mental wellbeing. The site offers lots of support and advice including many specific mental wellbeing guides, a ‘mood spa’, and a ‘simple pleasures’ section where BBC celebrities describe what helps them unwind.
Well Scotland
www.wellscotland.info/improve-your-mental-health.html – This is an excellent website offering lots of tips on how to improve you mental health and wellbeing.
Wind Down: www.winddown.co.uk/ – offers lots of useful advice on how to deal with stress, including information on relaxation, positive and creative thinking, and alternative therapies.
North London Buddhist Centre: www.northlondonbuddhistcentre.com/meditation.htm – Offers meditation courses in Camden.
See this website for some useful booklets with practical advice for dealing with your problems or worries:
www.ntw.nhs.uk/pic/?p=selfhelp