- Treat yourself with kindness. If this were a friend, what would you say to them?
- Acknowledge your feelings without judgement. They show up for a reason. What is that feeling trying to tell you?
- Don’t judge yourself. Mistakes are a natural part of our lives, especially when you are juggling multiple tasks. Mistakes are there to teach us. What can you do differently next time?
- Remember you are not alone. We all go through tough times, and it’s okay to ask for help. Who could you contact?
- Consider your needs. How can I help myself, what would make me feel better now?
Tip#2: Self-help techniques – find what works for you!
Self-help techniques are great for reducing stress, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all approach. We are all unique, and just because something works for some people, it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the right technique for you, too. Therefore, it’s important to experiment so you can find what you like and what helps you.
Some things you could try:
- Meditations: https://www.england.nhs.uk/supporting-our-nhs-people/support-now/wellbeing-apps/bright-sky/calm-amongst-chaos/
- Breathwork: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/breathing-exercises-for-stress/
- Regular physical activity and being outside when possible. What do you enjoy?
- Hobbies if your time allows
- Practical things NHS recommends:
- Splitting up big tasks into manageable chunks
- Planning ahead whenever possible
- CBT self-help techniques for reducing stress: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/