Psychologically, sometimes stress at work, in relationships, with health, working long hours and being over tired can add up and make us feel flat and worn out. Although most people know when it’s time to seek help for their physical help, a lot of us don’t remember to take care of our mental health.

Everyone’s situation is different, and different things will work for different people. Here are six strategies to combat stress:

  1. Visualisation
    Imagine yourself doing really well at whatever task it is that you want to succeed in. Really be creative and visualise all of the tiny details; what you would do and how it would feel to succeed.

  2. Silver lining
    Try to find the meaning in the stressful time that you are going through.This is easier said than done, but with practice it can be accomplished. For example, if you are going through a tough time at work, you may find that later on when your friend has a similar situation, you are really able to empathise with them and help them because you have been through the same thing, so you can gain meaning from the difficult time that you are currently experiencing.

  3. Relaxation
    Do things that you enjoy and relax you! Have a cup of tea. Go warm up and relax those muscles in a nice hot shower. Or even go out and get a massage to work out some of those knots. Do some deep breathing or muscle relaxation. Remembering to do these little relaxation techniques can make a huge difference.

  4. Be present
    Do one thing at a time, really focus on it. Let it be the only thing you think about for that moment. By really focusing on the present, some people finds it helps to bring clarity and make a task more enjoyable, even with simple things like doing the dishes or folding the washing.

  5. Holiday
    Plan a break! And no, this doesn’t have to be a trip away. This just means that you should plan ahead to block some uninterrupted time out for yourself to rest and recuperate. For some people this is something as simple as turning off the mobile, iPad, laptop and curling up with a book for an hour with no interruptions. For others, this might be getting a babysitter look after the kids so you can take a bubble bath and listen to some relaxing music. Whatever it is, find what works for you.

  6. Positive self-talk
    Give yourself a pat on the back. Often people can be their own enemy, when what we really need is to be our own best friend! Give yourself a pat on the back when you do well. Tell yourself that you can do it. Use positive language. Often it is the simple things which can make a difference.

If you feel you may be struggling with your mental health, book in to talk to one of our doctors. Or if you need to talk to someone instantly, please see these services:

Lifeline: 13 11 44 www.lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: www.beyondblue.org.au

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