Stress tips

Stress Tips

The first and most important thing to state is that stress related illnesses can be very serious and may need to be treated by your doctor. This page is only intended to give some helpful tips where stress is a more minor problem, it is not to provide medical advice of any kind. If you are in any doubt at all you should approach your doctor for advice.

Please Click Here for the NHS Direct advice page

(for adults aged 18 years old or over.)

1) What causes you to feel stressed ?

We are all different and different things cause us to feel stressed. Too much work, being late for an appointment, a row with a friend or colleague, an unexpected bill ? Having a clear idea of what makes you feel stressed enables you to form a strategy to cope with problems.

2) Planning ahead can lower stress levels.

In the case of too much work - you can talk to your line manager for advice and/or ask for a Stress Risk Assessment if appropriate. Carefully planning your workload organisation and talking to colleagues can help. Feeling prepared, organised and in control in any situation will help reduce stress. Check out the DWP advice on stress at work for guidance and on the PCS union website. If this doesn't help you can approach your trade union reps for advice and support - click here for their details.

3) Lifestyle

Often when people are under stress they take less care of their mental/physical health than they would normally. Stress can lead people to become tense/hostile and rows with other people at home or work are likely to lead to even higher stress levels.

5 portions of fruit/veg per day

Relaxation techniques such as yoga or slow/deep breathing may help. Reducing levels of alcohol, caffeine, sugar and salt can also assist. Exercise can be beneficial (again consult your doctor for advice before undertaking such activities) and combined with a sensible diet should contribute to reducing stress. Even a short walk outdoors in the fresh air can help.

4) Fun !!

Too often when we are under too much stress we can become miserable. Laughter itself is known to be a powerful stress buster breaking up tension and relieving symptons. Hobbies and past times can help divert us and prevent us from dwelling on problems as well as providing entertainment and mental health benefits.

Reading a book, listening to music, (in my case usually listening to Leicester City lose on the radio..) gardening. These are the reasons we go to work, to enjoy life and have fun.

5) Perspective

Sometimes when we are under stress problems can become magnified beyond all real proportion. A late train/bus or traffic jam become a disaster instead of an annoyance. Trying to keep a good sense of perspective (and sense of humour) helps us reduce stress levels. In life things go wrong even with the best intentions and planning. Accepting things and moving on from them helps us maintain a good sense of balance.

6) Support

If things aren't working out and you're still feeling stressed - don't suffer in silence. Speak to your doctor for advice on your health. Even if it isn't directly a work related problem speak to your line manager and union rep for support. DWP offer corecare support for all staff and PCS have their own designated stress telephone help line listed below. Its open 24 hours a day and all calls are in confidence. Tackling problems and getting help when it's needed are the actions of a strong coping personality and not a sign of weakness.

PCS Stress Helpline Tel 0870 8506919

Click Here for a full list of PCS Helplines including debt help.