I think most of us are aware that stress can have a huge impact on our whole lives. Yes it can impact us all differently, from acne breakouts, upset stomachs and migraines, to tiredness, anxiety and irritability.
Have you ever thought about how stressed you are though? Sometimes we can continue going about our daily lives and not realise the level of stress that's ticking away in the background. Just because we're not constantly running around or tearing our hair out, it doesn't mean we don't have something rumbling away in the background that is causing us upset or misery.
Life, in my opinion, is far too short to be unhappy. My Aunty always says to me, "even if we can get a hundred years, it's a very short time". She's right too.
So, I'm not trying to make this post morbid or miserable, but maybe just take the simple test below and see where your levels fall. If they're higher than expected, they maybe look into some ways to help with coping with stress. Down below I have listed ten different coping methods along with examples and freebies to get you started.
3, 2, 1... go!
STRESS TEST
How often do you feel overwhelmed or stressed?
a) Rarely
b) Sometimes
c) Often
d) Almost always
2. How frequently do you experience physical symptoms related to stress, such as headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue?
a) Rarely
b) Sometimes
c) Often
d) Almost always
3. How would you describe your level of control over your daily life?
a) I feel completely in control
b) I feel mostly in control
c) I feel somewhat in control
d) I feel little to no control
4. How often do you experience feelings of anxiety or worry?
a) Rarely
b) Sometimes
c) Often
d) Almost always
5. How would you rate the level of social support in your life?
a) Strong and reliable
b) Moderately strong
c) Somewhat weak
d) Very weak
6. How often do you engage in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones?
a) Daily
b) A few times a week
c) Occasionally
d) Rarely
7. How often do you feel a sense of accomplishment or satisfaction in your daily life?
a) Daily
b) A few times a week
c) Occasionally
d) Rarely
8. How would you rate your overall level of stress?
a) Low
b) Moderate
c) High
d) Very high
Scoring: For each question, assign a point value based on the following:
a) Rarely - 1 point
b) Sometimes - 2 points
c) Often - 3 points
d) Almost always - 4 points
Add up your total score and see the results below:
8-12 points: Your stress levels are relatively low. Keep up the good work!
13-20 points: You experience occasional stress, but it's nothing out of the ordinary. Try to incorporate more stress-reducing activities into your routine.
21-28 points: Your stress levels are moderately high. Consider seeking out support or trying new stress-management techniques.
29-32 points: Your stress levels are very high. It's important to take action to manage your stress, such as seeking professional help or making significant changes to your lifestyle.
So how did you do? If your levels are higher than expected, then maybe have a look at the list below of different coping strategies...
Exercise regularly: Exercise can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. I love to do yoga and pilates. Here are some of my favourite online options - Nike Training Club App, The Yoga Family , PL Pilates
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques can help calm your mind and reduce stress. I love Headspace - click here for a FREE 30 day pass.
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help your body and mind recover from stress. I love my Oura ring to monitor my sleep levels and keep on track with my health. Click here for $40 OFF and a FREE sleep mask
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help you feel better physically and mentally. I use Simply Cook to inspire my meals. As much as I love to cook, sometimes I can lack inspo, Simply Cook has really given me a new excitement for cooking plus the recipes are delicious too! Click here for a FREE first box.
Connect with others: Spending time with loved ones, joining a support group, or talking to a therapist can help you feel supported and reduce stress.
Set boundaries: Saying no to commitments that are causing stress, setting limits on work or social media, and prioritizing self-care can help reduce stress.
Take breaks: Taking short breaks throughout the day to stretch, take a walk, or do something enjoyable can help you feel refreshed and reduce stress. I love to use the pomodoro technique and use this time cube to help me take breaks - without constantly checking my phone.
Engage in hobbies: Doing something you enjoy, such as reading, painting, or playing a musical instrument, can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
Practice time management: Planning ahead, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and setting realistic goals can help reduce stress related to feeling overwhelmed or disorganized. I love to use my Dash Planner (click here for your FREE planner) on the Notability app to keep track and plan my days.
Seek professional help: If stress is interfering with your daily life or causing significant distress, seeking help from a mental health professional can be beneficial. I speak regularly with my good friend and therapist Laura Steventon who is a BWRT practitioner (plus an all round amazing human!) Click here to learn more plus if you mention my name, you can receive a FREE 30 minute consultation.
So, I know that's a lot of information to take in, but I hope you have found this post and some of the links useful too!
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline x
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