We all get stressed sometimes, whether it’s about work, money, relationships or something else. In fact, stress is a very normal reaction to any kind of threat and can sometimes be a powerful motivator.
As the NHS says, “Stress is usually a reaction to mental or emotional pressure. It’s often related to feeling like you’re losing control over something, but sometimes there’s no obvious cause… If you’re stressed all the time, it can become a problem.”
To mark Stress Awareness Month 2024 and its theme of #LittleByLittle, the KBPT team has put together seven simple ways to reduce stress through low-intensity exercise and self-care.
If you’d like some hands-on support, we offer specialist Training to Boost your Mental Health with KBPT and Training for Lifestyle Change with KBPT.
1. Gentle indoor exercises, such as stretching and yoga, can help to lower your blood pressure, regulate your nervous system and connect your mind and body. Check out our yoga and meditation Q&A.
2. Spending time with friends can be a powerful mood-booster and it’s even better if you combine it with some exercise. Go for a run together. Buddy up at the gym. Or meet up at the park for a game of frisbee or rounders.
3. Getting enough sleep is one of the best ways to reduce stress so switch off your tech, make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet and zzzzzzzzz.
4. Just 20 minutes connecting with nature can help to relieve stress and anxiety. Could you go for a walk or bike ride in your local park? Or head to the coast or a national park this weekend? Read our blog about green spaces in London.
5. Have you ever really focused on your breathing? It’s something we just do automatically but if you take a moment to consciously slow your breath down and breathe more deeply, it will really help you to relax.
6. Swimming helps to lower your cortisol levels, release feel-good hormones and manage stress. Most leisure centres in London have a pool or, as the weather improves, you might like to go for a swim at a lido, in a lake or or in the sea. Find out more about wild swimming in this KBPT blog.
7. There are lots of apps available to help lower stress, such as Be Mindful, Calm and My Possible Self. Or you might like to listen to a podcast – we love Jay Shetty’s On Purpose and Feel Better, Live More by Dr Rangan Chatterjee.
KBPT’s personal trainers understand the power of exercise for good mental health. Get in touch with kate@kbpersonaltraining.co.uk for a free consultation.
