How Are Your Stress Levels?
The first Wednesday in November is Stress Awareness Day, a day that serves as the perfect reminder to take time out to check in on your own stress levels. Stress is real, it’s serious, and it can take a toll on our mental, cognitive, and physical health. It’s important to pay attention to how you’re feeling and where your stressors are coming from so you can find healthy ways to manage this stress.
To help you pay attention to and manage your stress levels in a way that works for you, we’ve asked members of our mental health team to share tips that will come in handy when those stressful moments hit.
Shannon Deacon, Social Worker + Psychotherapist
Stress has become a regular in our lives these days. If you’re feeling it, it’s likely your kids are too. Just being aware of your stress warning signs is a great start to managing it. Notice it, name it, and then use your tools to tame it.
Maybe a movie night on the couch with the kids is what everyone needs?
Meghan Menkes, Social Worker + Psychotherapist
Do you find yourself in the same stressful situation often? A simple, but impactful question to ask yourself is "What is in my control in this situation and what is not?" This type of questioning helps reframe thought patterns and reduce spiralled thinking which can cause stress to build. If something is outside of your control, allow yourself to let go of it and begin to reduce the level of ownership/stress you feel about it.
Tiffany Lewis, Social Worker + Psychotherapist
How to be more aware of stress levels: Do a Mindful Check-In with Yourself
One of the best things we can do for ourselves is to check in with ourselves - the same way we would with a loved one! In the morning, in the afternoon, and before bed do a quick mindful check-in. Scan your mind and body. How are you feeling physically? Mentally? Is there anything that needs to be addressed or thrown away?
When we focus on our mental wellness we can better manage symptoms of stress which can aid in avoiding burnout (no one loves burnout!). When we notice a negative thought pattern in relation to stress, it’s super important to practice taking a more productive approach to our thoughts. Also, set REALISTIC goals for yourself! Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Are you ready to destress? Our team is sharing some of their favourite ways to keep stress levels down - try adding some of these to your stress relief toolkit!
Great Ways to Destress
Dr. Mallory, Naturopathic Doctor
Shopping alone (especially winners)
Meeting up with friends
Having a massage (book yours now!)
Going for a long walk
Cooking
Andrea, RMT
Walking in nature every day
Intense weight training
Yoga (15 minutes in the morning + evening)
Being silly and goofy with my grand kids
Watching ‘Would I Lie to You’ or ‘Miranda’ for a good belly laugh
Amber, Pelvic + Orthopedic Physiotherapist
Walks with my pup
Working out at the gym
Playing games with friends
Breathing exercises!!!
Making lists
Dr Aliya, Co-Founder, Acupuncturist + Chiropractor
Baking while listening to 90’s R/B and Hip Hop
Going for a run
Getting my nails done
People watching with a hot bevvie in hand
Tiffany, Social Worker + Psychotherapist
Singing my favourite songs at the top of my lungs, complete with a wind machine for effect (hello, Beyonce!)
Catching up with the Housewives!!
Aislinn, Client Experience Coordinator
With a cup of tulsi tea (an adaptogenic herb) - side note: we sell All is Well Tulsi tea at Wellbe!
A soothing foot massage with The Chemistry foot cream
Dee, Digital Marketing Coordinator
Taking a hot bath with lots of bubbles
Watching cheesy Hallmark movies
Putting on my fave tunes and dancing it out
If you need assistance with dealing with stress, you can book a visit with our social workers here.