Modern day living has seen major growth in many industries including technology and the way we communicate. In some ways we are now more connected than ever with the ability to click a button or swipe through profiles to converse with someone. Yet while some areas are growing in a positive light other areas are increasing at an overwhelming rate and none more than modern day stress.

Stress has been an age old problem existing through the decades, the only differentiating factor perhaps being the reason for the stress. In this modern day world we experience stress from various areas in our lives including our personal and extended realms and in these most recent of times globally too. It can feel that no matter where you turn you are faced with some sort of stressor.

Stress is experienced by all of us, at fluctuating levels but we all deal with it in different ways. Some people take stress in their stride and are able to use it to their advantage by running with it and rising to the challenge. Others get overwhelmed to such an extent it has a negative effect on both their physical and mental health.

Being a perfectionist I am somebody who has always struggled with the impact of stress and I have always found myself becoming overwhelmed and anxious by the various pressures of life. In the last couple of years I have tried numerous ways to combat my stress levels and would like to share a few of them with you now in relation to different areas of our modern day lives.

5 Stress-busting tips for modern life:

Home Life

Create a relaxing space in your home – Your home should be your haven, it should be the place that you feel safe and secure but most of all relaxed. More so than ever we are spending more and more time in our homes therefore if possible try to find a space in your home (whether it be a chair by a window, a cushion on the floor or even your bath) that is just for you. Make the area as comfortable as you can and see this as an area of relaxation every time you enter it. Try to spend ten minutes in the area every day and take part in relaxing activities whilst there e.g. deep breathing, meditation or some easy reading.

Online Life

Focus on your offline presence – There is no doubt that our modern lives are heavily involved with the online world. From dating sites to social media profiles, to internet banking and booking appointments, our lives are played out in virtual form more than ever before. Whilst there are positives to this way of living and in most recent times the ability to keep connected is an extremely special thing, people do get consumed to an unhealthy level. Creating an image of yourself online that isn’t really you, is not only damaging to your self-esteem but creates an overwhelming level of stress as you compare yourself to others and deal with negative viewpoints on things you have posted. Spend time focusing on things you enjoy doing that doesn’t require you going online. Reconnect with hobbies you may have once forgotten about, that you can lose yourself in and don’t need reassurance to complete. By taking up interests that don’t require regular re-tweets or likes, you will give yourself a break from other people’s opinions and relieve stress in a positive way.

Work Life

Speak up and be heard – In these modern times of financial changes and increased workloads, employees are being expected to do more and more. From going in early, to working late, skipping breaks and taking on the work of others, workers are faced with multiple stressors on a daily basis. Whilst there is a level of stress you need to accept in the workplace alongside a talent for teamwork, you also need to identify when things are getting too much. Keep a to-do list and add to it regularly to get things out of your head and on paper, it is also helpful in seeing how much your workload is increasing and at what rate. If you find it is getting too much and is affecting your mental and/or physical health, then it is time to speak to your manager and be honest about how you are feeling. As an employee you have rights and your manager should understand plus it is so much better to tackle it sooner rather than later before the stress gets out of control.

Globally

Do your bit – There is no way dressing it up, at the moment the world is suffering and we are seeing life in a way we have never seen it before. We are all living in a state of stress at the moment, worrying about the future as well as the present. Whilst individually we cannot change what is happening right now, one way to combat your stress is to know you are doing your bit. Do what the government is telling you, stay at home, wash your hands and practise social distancing. In the same way do your bit to help the environment, by recycling, eliminating plastic and looking at your carbon footprint. Do the right thing to saves others as well as yourself and be mindful that whilst you cannot control what is happening around you, you are contributing to make it a safer world.

Yourself

Review your lifestyle – Figure out what makes you stressed and if possible change it, work out what makes you happy and make strides to improve those areas. If you need extra help in making those improvement within yourself than ask for help. Stress is a normal part of everyday life but if it is getting too much don’t suffer alone. Speak to your doctor, access help groups, sign up for counselling or online/telephone coaching and take an active approach in getting the help you need.