Slow down to speed up

In today’s busy world, with its relentless pace, you certainly wouldn’t be alone if you were feeling signs of stress. In fact a recent UK study found that 79% of adults feel stressed at least once a month. Causes range from lack of sleep, financial worries, health, family, news and work.

While stress can signal deeper mental health issues - which require proper support - those of us suffering from lower level stress can take some simple steps to help ourselves. Why not try one or two of these ideas?

• Slow down - when we rush around we signal to our body and mind that we’re under threat. Our nervous system responds by giving us a rush of stress hormones so that we can flee or fight. Our senses and heart rate are heightened. We use a lot of energy. Slowing down signals to the body and our mind that we’re safe and that our stress hormones aren’t needed. Take an extra second to head up the stairs and put the laundry away. Take 30 seconds more to walk down the street to get lunch. Your body will repay you for it.

• Reduce scrolling – numerous studies have shown that when we scroll, our rates of anxiety and depression can increase. This is because  – while we consider scrolling mindless – our brains are actually processing all of that information incredibly fast, assessing if we should pause and read or watch something, or keep moving. This is exhausting and depletes our wellbeing, energy, mental and emotional reserves (and that’s before we even get into the content). 

• Take a break (even a little one) - a recent study by Microsoft showed stark differences in brain images of those who had four back to back meetings, and those who took ten minute breaks in between. Scary stuff. Make it a good quality break by seeking out the opposite of your regular experience. So if you’re in a noisy place, find ten minutes of quiet. If you surrounded by people, find some space.

Want more great tips like this? See our Thriving Under Pressure session for more details.