How you can reduce stress
Knowing what you can do to help yourself during a stressful time can be difficult. Having strategies to cope with stress helps you to look after your mental health. Below are some ideas that may help.
Ask for support
When you’re feeling stressed, it can make a real difference talking to someone about it. You might start by reaching out to people close to you.
We can also help you to find other support that’s right for you. This could include talking to one of our counsellors or helping you find a mental health professional near you.
Prioritise your wellbeing
Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing can look different to everyone. If you’re feeling stressed, some things to consider are:
- trying to get enough good quality sleep
- eating well
- getting regular activity
- creating or maintaining a sense of routine.
Creating a personal wellbeing plan can also help remind you to do the things you know work for you.
Learn more about creating a wellbeing plan and looking after your mental health and wellbeing.
Be aware of when stress is affecting you
It’s important to understand when stress is affecting you. This means being aware of the signs of stress that are most relevant to you.
The more you understand these signs, the better you’re able to take steps to cope earlier. You’ll start to identify the triggers that cause unhealthy stress earlier, which gives you a chance to do something about them earlier.
Which might mean approaching the triggers differently so they don’t cause as much stress. Or preparing yourself for the stress that’s to come.
Avoid major life changes
Making major changes in your life can be stressful at any time. If you’re already feeling stressed or anxious, it might be best to avoid or delay significant life changes or decisions.
If it can’t wait, ask someone you trust top support you through the situation.
Protect your mental health at work
Workplace stress can affect your relationships and life outside work. It can also make workplace injury, fatigue and burnout more likely.
Work plays a big role in our lives. And workplace stress can affect your relationships and life outside of work. It can also make workplace injury, fatigue and burnout more likely. There are steps you can take to protect your mental health at work.
Learn more about workplace stress and how to support your mental health in the workplace.
Learn how to manage conflict
Conflict in personal relationships can be a big cause of stress. Learning how to communicate with people 
and address problems or conflicts as they arise is
important.
Be prepared for stressful events of situations
You can't always predict when stress will arise. But it can help to make a plan based on your past experiences.
- Start by noting what has caused you stress in the past.
- Consider whether these were within your control or outside your control. Could you avoid those causes of stress in future. What steps might you take?
- Identify how you reacted to the stress. What helped? What didn’t help? Were there other things you would like to have tried.
- Make a plan for what you can do if you find yourself in a similar position in future.